As the first step of their vision to create a number of local hubs situated in the outlying areas of their catchment area St Nicholas Hospice negotiated a lease on part of the Burton Centre in the centre of Haverhill, Suffolk.
This is an existing library and community building, but in need of some significant refurbishment to be suitable for use by the hospice. The Whitworth Co-Partnership were appointed to develop design proposals working closely with the client team and oversee the construction works involved in creating the new hospice facilities. The works involved creating a new welcoming entrance and reception area, by removing some internal partition walls. The existing ground floor café and community hall were retained and tidied up, and on the first floor the main hospice facilities were created , incorporating a large day room, with tea point facilities, and a number of small consulting and therapy rooms, and office accommodation. Locating this accommodation on the first floor raised the challenge of access to the first floor, the existing lift located in the library at the other end of the building was not ideally suited to modern wheel chairs, and involved a long route to the hospice accommodation, the construction of a new lift was carefully considered, but proved too expensive, so a stair lift was installed.
The end result is the creation of some attractive spaces with a relaxing and homely atmosphere
