McLaughlin & Harvey has officially handed over the keys to the Ayrshire Hospice's significantly redeveloped facility, marking the completion of an £18.8 million capital build project.

The extensive works were undertaken in close collaboration with the Ayrshire Hospice to substantially improve its patient care environment.

The redevelopment features a state-of-the-art new build In-Patient Unit (IPU) and a modern Hub building, designed to enhance connectivity throughout what is described as the 'heart of the Hospice'. A key aspect of the project involved the careful restoration of the 19th-century Category B listed buildings at 35 Racecourse Road, including the villa originally built by Sheriff Eaton in 1832, along with its Coach House and Dovecote, which have served the Hospice for many years.

The updated space has been designed with a strong emphasis on privacy and dignity, incorporating beautifully landscaped outdoor areas, including a living roof, to provide a calm and supportive environment.

John McClintock, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented on the handover: "It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ayrshire Hospice on this project. Our team of experts has carefully delivered each element throughout the build, creating a facility that will enable the hospice to provide the highest-quality patient care."

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Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Hospice, highlighted the deep collaboration involved: "For over three years, we have worked hand-in-hand with McLaughlin & Harvey in great detail on nearly every aspect of this project. It has been more than just a construction project to many of those involved – it has been a shared commitment to creating a space that truly reflects the values and vision of the Ayrshire Hospice. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together and excited for the difference this environment will make in the lives of those we care for and their families."

Graham Ross, CEO of Austin-Smith:Lord, the multi-disciplinary design service provider, added: "Austin-Smith:Lord have been honoured to provide a multi-disciplinary design service to help Ayrshire Hospice transform their home in Ayr. Working collaboratively as part of a wider project team our architects, landscape architects, conservation architects and interior designers have carefully designed a patient-centred palliative care environment that provides access to nature, companionship and privacy. We hope that the building and gardens provide a calm and dignified setting for patients and their loved ones to benefit from the loving care and compassion that typifies the vital role the Hospice and its dedicated team fulfil for the Ayrshire community."

Since its establishment in 1989, Ayrshire Hospice has been a vital part of the community, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families. McLaughlin & Harvey is confident that this new capital build will enable the Hospice to continue delivering its exceptional care to the highest standard for many years to come.

The project was delivered as part of the Frameworks Scotland 3 (FS3), a framework managed by Health Facilities Scotland, a service under NHS National Services Scotland.