Building work that includes a new hydrotherapy pool, wellbeing and therapies suite and bigger, separated care activity area has officially started as part of major expansion plans at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
The development also includes a dedicated space for teenagers, an additional bedroom and a larger kitchen and dining area to grow capacity for families receiving support at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Suffolk base.
A special ‘spade-in-the-ground’ celebration took place earlier today to herald the start of the work. The project is set to be completed by the end of 2027.
“This is a key milestone in our quest to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of every child and family under our care – not to mention the growing number of those who will need us in the future,” said EACH Chief Executive Kevin Clements.
“After 27 years of delivering vital care and support in Ipswich, we have a firm ambition to develop and expand our strategy to further increase our offer and reach even more families in Suffolk and North Essex.
“Expanding is key to that objective. Year on year, we get more and more referrals, and future projections tell us those numbers will keep growing.
“It’s vital we’re able to futureproof the site to meet this increasing demand – and to align with the government and public ambition to deliver and receive more care outside the hospital setting.”
The new hydrotherapy pool and suite – which will be far bigger than the current facility – will bring The Treehouse in line with EACH’s other two hospices, in Cambridgeshire (Milton) and Norfolk (The Nook).
The expansion will also include underfloor storage and more car parking spaces, while the new wellbeing and therapies suite will feature an appropriate private entrance for families.
“The Treehouse isn’t only a vital place for delivering specialist palliative care, but a central hub for supporting families across the entire region,” added Kevin.
“Depending on a family’s needs and wishes, we also provide a significant amount of care and support in the family home, in hospital and in the wider community.
“This ensures every family receives care somewhere they feel safe and comfortable.”
Planning permission was granted in November, and, after a competitive tender process, Gipping Construction was appointed as the main contractor in January.
Andy Laflin, Joint Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to be working with EACH on this exciting project to create a new extended wellbeing space, including a hydrotherapy pool and activity extension and associated refurbishment of what is already an amazing facility providing a hugely valued service in our community.
“As a live facility, we’re acutely aware of the logistical challenges, but the team are well prepared and cannot wait to start work.”
EACH has successfully secured enough support to start this transformational project, but will continue to fundraise over the coming months to support both the expansion and funding vital day-to-day care and support for families.
EACH was delighted to receive a message of support, prior to planning permission being granted, from Royal Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
She wrote: “EACH’s brilliant team brings light and laughter into the lives of those they care for, creating moments that truly matter through play, water, art, music, and the simple joy of being together.”
Her Royal Highness finished the messaging by saying: “I hope we can bring The Treehouse expansion vision to life, to support even more families across Suffolk and Essex. With your continued support, EACH can continue to make a transformational difference to so many lives.”
You can find out more about The Treehouse expansion project here.
Pictures: Leo Martin (@parallaxwolf)/EACH
