Work to develop St Ann’s new hospice in Heald Green is now underway as Caddick Construction begins the main building work to replace the charity’s current hospice at St Ann’s Road North.

The start of building work is the culmination of an extensive period of engagement between Caddick and St Ann’s to bring to life the charity’s ambitious plans to secure the future of the hospice, providing much-needed specialist palliative and end-of-life care for generations to come.

The project includes a modernised 27-bedroom inpatient unit to help those impacted by life limiting illnesses across Greater Manchester.

With work now underway, Caddick will build two separate buildings connected by a linked corridor. Features will include outpatient services, dedicated bereavement and family support spaces surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The first building will house the main reception, cafe, kitchen, training space and offices as well as a Being You Centre for outpatient services. The second building will be home to the inpatient unit and family overnight rooms.

Located within the boundary of the Cheadle Royal conservation area, the new hospice will replace the charity’s existing hospice, which is located in an adjacent Victorian building that is no longer fit for purpose.

The new St Ann’s Hospice development is the result of extensive fundraising by the charity, including its Build it Together appeal, which has seen the team raise more than £1.1 million to-date from public donations. The campaign aims to raise £2 million to contribute to this ambitious project.

Preparation for the development began earlier in the year, including shrub, and ground clearance works ahead of the main construction activities, which are due for completion late 2025.

Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at St Ann’s Hospice, said: “Our plans for a new hospice have been years in the making and it is wonderful to reach this important milestone in the project. I am very much looking forward to watching the new hospice take shape as Caddick starts their work.

“We are committed to being here for the people of Greater Manchester for generations to come and this new hospice will mean we can continue to provide the outstanding care that our patients and their loved ones deserve.”

Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “St Ann’s Hospice have worked tirelessly to get their new hospice development off the ground, and we are very proud to have been on that journey with them. A project of such importance to the community calls for a great deal of care and attention, and it also requires a keen eye on ensuring we explore value for money at every opportunity. I joined Caddick at the start of this year, and while our involvement in this incredible project began long before I joined, I am very proud to lead a team that has been so dedicated to making this project a reality.

“With the main works now underway, we will continue to work closely with St Ann’s Hospice to ensure their new development enables them to offer the very best care and support for those in Greater Manchester who need it most.”

Caddick Construction is part of the wider project team working on the new hospice. Genr8 Developments LLP are project managers for the new build and architects PRP has been working with St Ann’s for several years to design the building and get to this stage in the project.

The interior design of St Ann’s Hospice’s new building will be led by Axi, who is designing and bringing to life the purpose-built hospice that is much needed by patients and their families.

Also working on the project are cost consultants Gardner & Theobald, TRP as the structural engineers and TACE as the Mechanical and Engineering consultants.