Undertaken in close collaboration with Ayrshire Hospice, the £18.8 million redevelopment sought to improve the Hospice’s facilities, adding a ‘state-of-the-art’ new build InPatient Unit (IPU) and a modern Hub building providing connectivity through the ‘heart of the Hospice’. ‘Blending heritage and modern elements’, the build included the restoration of 19th century Cat B listed buildings at 35 Racecourse Road. The villa was built by Sheriff Eaton in 1832, along with a Coach House and Dovecote, and has been used successfully for many years by the Hospice. The updated space embodies the ethos of privacy and dignity throughout, with landscaped outdoor spaces, including a living roof.
John McClintock, Operations director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ayrshire Hospice on this project. Our team of experts has carefully delivered each element throughout the build, creating a facility that will enable the hospice to provide the highest-quality patient care.”
Tracy Flynn, CEO of Ayrshire Hospice, said: “For over three years, we have worked hand in hand with McLaughlin & Harvey in great detail on nearly every aspect of this project. It has been more than just a construction project to many of those involved; it has been a shared commitment to creating a space that truly reflects the values and vision of the Ayrshire Hospice. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together, and excited about the difference this environment will make in the lives of those we care for and their families.”
Graham Ross, CEO of Austin-Smith:Lord, added: “Austin-Smith:Lord has been honoured to provide a multidisciplinary design service to help Ayrshire Hospice transform its home in Ayr. Working collaboratively as part of a wider project team our architects, landscape architects, conservation architects, and interior designers, have carefully designed a patient-centred palliative care environment that provides access to nature, companionship, and privacy.
“We hope the building and gardens provide a calm and dignified setting for patients and their loved ones to benefit from the loving care and compassion that typifies the vital role the Hospice and its dedicated team fulfil for the Ayrshire community.”
The project was delivered as part of the Frameworks Scotland 3 (FS3) – a framework managed by Health Facilities Scotland.