Cranford Hospice has submitted its Resource Consent application to build a new hospice for the people of Hawke’s Bay.

 “This is a huge milestone” says Building Executive Chair, Jude Minor. “It brings together all the work of our Cranford team, our Architects, Engineers, Planners, Iwi and community in our Resource Consent. I’m really proud of what has been achieved.”

The Resource Consent builds on the previous work undertaken to build a new hospice at the Chesterhope site.

The scheme plan proposes ten new in-patient beds complete with ensuites. While Cranford currently has eight in-patient beds, only six are currently being utilised due to the ageing and condition of some of the rooms and associated facilities. At present only one of Cranford’s current rooms has an ensuite. The new plans are also future proofed by including a further four rooms which can be converted to inpatient beds over time (as demand grows). This will take the total number of potential inpatient beds to fourteen. Additionally, the new design includes a family lounge and kitchen so that extended families can be accommodated while visiting.

Andrew Lesperance, Cranford Hospice CEO says the enhancements “will accommodate for the size of population growth, the increasing complexity associated with ageing and the growth in non-cancer as well as cancer related demand for hospice care.”

The Cranford team are currently reviewing options for solar energy to add to the sustainable building system that will operate throughout the project and property. 

The Resource Consent should take between four and eight weeks to process. Assuming a successful outcome Cranford’s contract for the land will become unconditional. The next stage will be to undertake full plans and to then gain a building consent. This will include full cost estimates prior to going out to tender for the project.

Andrea Jopling, Chairman of the Cranford Hospice Trust commented: “Everyone has pulled together to produce an incredible design, which I am confident the community will love.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Hawke’s Bay for coming together to support Cranford at this time,” added Chris Tremain, Chairman of the Cranford Foundation. “We’ve still got a few milestones to push through in terms of fundraising. But with hard work and continued community support, we’ll have a spade in the ground by this time next year.”