Plans for new £15m hospice in Bellahouston Park given approval

Plans for a new £15m hospice in a Glasgow park have been approved. The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice is hoping to construct a palliative care facility in Bellahouston Park in the south side of the city.

On Tuesday, councillors on Glasgow City Council’s planning executive approved the proposals for the facility.

It will replace the hospice’s home of 30 years in Carlton Place in the city centre.

Architectural firm Nord designed the building and included more single rooms and family suites than the existing site, while the charity launched a Brick by Brick appeal to raise donations for it last year.

After the decision, Rhona Baillie, chief executive of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, said: “Obtaining the planning committee approval today is a major milestone in our route to building a new Hospice for Glasgow. This decision starts us on the road to making the new state-of-the-art facility a reality.

“Our current home at Carlton Place is at capacity and has served us exceptionally well for over 30 years. The new facility will enable us to extend our services to the people of Glasgow in purpose built facilities situated in stunning surroundings of Bellahouston Park.

“Once open, our new Hospice will enable us for the first time to offer increased facilities for younger patients aged 15 and above, in surroundings that are appropriate for the transitional age group. This includes increased privacy with single rooms and family accommodation, as well as access to beautiful gardens and increased parking facilities.”

She added: “In addition, we will also be able to offer more flexible out-patient facilities, as well as extended education facilities. Our new Hospice will allow us to host national and local training events.

“The Hospice currently provides free care for over 1000 adults and their families each year. Our running costs are almost £5m, of which we need to raise £3m from fundraising and voluntary donations. We are very grateful to all the individuals and businesses who support us and make our new Hospice a reality to be shared with the people of Glasgow.”