Cranford Hospice abandons Chesterhope vision

Must find new future home.

The Chesterhope location off the Expressway that has been touted as the optimal (and donated) location for a new hospice must now be abandoned, given its vulnerability to flooding as highlighted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Foundation Chair Chris Tremain made the announcement Friday, saying: “The decision made by Trustees to no longer proceed with the Chesterhope site was incredibly difficult and wasn’t taken lightly. We were guided by feedback from a range of stakeholders, including Cranford Hospice staff and volunteers”.

Speaking to BayBuzz, Tremain especially noted his disappointment for the team of volunteers who have been working steadily on the property to begin its beautification, as BayBuzz has previously reported here, The Cranford Gardeners.

But he also stressed the loyalty of existing donors who have expressed continuing commitment to proceeding with the project, which had been scheduled for ‘sod turning’ later this year, with a full-year build through 2024. Says Tremain: “The incredible community support has brought the current funds raised for the project to $14.4 million. A truly astonishing amount. To all those that have pledged their support, thank you. It is your generosity that will bring this vision to reality.”

Our region has an acute need for a new hospice facility, if only to address demographic reality – our fast-growing ageing population, many of whom will require palliative care. Moreover, as a statement from the Cranford Hospice Foundation says: “The current Knight Street building is no longer fit-for-purpose due to its age and design.”

“The need for a new hospice for Hawke’s Bay remains urgent. More than ever, our community needs a place where we can support our loved ones at the end of life. A place that will provide a hub for palliative care services for generations to come,” says Tremain.

He says some monies spent on advancing the Chesterhope location, such as geotech analysis, will be lost; others possibly not needed at a different site, such as site-specific infrastructure work that was budgeted; whereas still other work, such as early conceptual and design work on the facility itself can still be relevant. And the investment of around $250k in fundraising has yielded the substantial return of $14.4 million, which remains on the table.

The Trust will announce in a few weeks a transparent process for identifying a new location for the hospice. A determined Tremain said to me, “One door closes, other doors open.”

The Chesterhope land returns to its original donor, the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust.