Plans lodged for £3.5m Liverpool children’s hospice
Zoe’s Place provides palliative and bereavement care for kids who are up to five years old and their families.
The registered charity is looking to move from its current home at Yew Tree Lane to a new facility on the former bowling green at Hayman’s Green in West Derby. Zoe’s Place’s lease at Yew Tree Lane ends in 2025.
To make the new site suitable for the hospice, the group would refurbish the existing 4,500 sq ft villa on the plot and construct a 7,400 sq ft extension. Plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council accordingly.
When complete, the 11,900 sq ft centre would have a central hospice space, hydrotherapy pool, sensory and soft play spaces, and specialist rooms for holistic therapy and counselling. The proposals, drafted by Mersey Design Group, also include four bedrooms, family residential facilities, and two bereavement suites.
Outdoor spaces geared towards play and reflection are among the designs from BCA Landscape.
The charity estimates it will require £3.5m to buy the site, refurbish the existing space, and finish the extension. It has begun a capital appeal to help secure the funds required.
The extension will include the bedrooms and bereavement suites. Credit: Moore Media
Michael Cunningham, a trustee for Zoe’s Place and former architect at Mersey Design Group, is helping lead the charity’s move to a new location.
“Being able to bring my architectural experience to my new trustee role at Zoe’s Place at a time when we’re launching this ambitious project is an honour and I’m determined to see these plans brought to fruition,” he said.
“Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the impact of designing spaces that not only serve the practical needs of a building but also embrace the spirit of those within and the work that they’re doing,” Cunningham continued.
“Since joining the Zoe’s Place team, I’ve experienced the outstanding care, support and comfort that is offered to the babies, children and families that come through these doors and my mission is to keep those doors open for many years to come.”
In addition to Mersey Design Group and BCA Landscape, the project team includes Greyside Planning, structural engineer Sutcliffe, mechanical and electrical engineer PSA, Liath Heritage, and Prime Transport Planning.
The application had not been published on the Liverpool City Council planning portal as of the time of publication.
A wonderful charity that does great work. I wonder what the nuns who were their former landlords think of this lovely new home?
By Anonymous
A truly amazing place. I wish them the very best of luck with this application.
By Liverpolitis
A worthwhile charity this I hope this council and Nimbys don’t scuttle the project.
By George
Praying a solution will be found with all parties involved working together to ensure those little ones and their families will not be let down. We all love our children and have a duty of care to do our best to help others needing this support.
By Phil Martin