Charlie House’s £8million campaign to build a new support centre has taken another step forward.
The charity, which supports the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, has been working towards building a dedicated support centre in Aberdeen.
Set on four acres of land within Woodend Hospital in the city, it will prevent local families from having to travel more than 100 miles to get vital support and respite care.
And now, in a major step forward for the project, Robertson Construction Eastern has been appointed as the contractors for the build.
The new centre has been designed to incorporate a sensory room, spa pool, craft room, soft play area and therapy room.
It will also have family suites and children’s bedrooms to make it feel like a home away from home.
What’s the timescale?
Preparation work is due to start before November and the foundations are expected to be laid in spring.
Once work is fully under way, it is expected it will take 18-24 months to complete.
Back in 2018, Charlie House launched its Big Build Appeal with a target of £8m, which has so far has raised more than £5m.
Last year, the charity launched its £250 Buy a Brick campaign as a more accessible form of fundraising for smaller groups or individuals.
Charlie House founder and chairwoman Tracy Johnstone said: “Robertson is a fantastic family-based business which is passionate about helping local organisations.
“We first established a relationship with its team members a number of years ago while they were constructing The Events Complex Aberdeen (TECA). From 2017 until 2019, Robertson fundraised for our cause, raising more than £30,000.
“Since then, the company has been a fantastic supporter, determined to help us reach our goal. Robertson has significant experience in delivering major projects, which include healthcare and education institutions, and will assist us by accessing its extensive and credible supply chain, ensuring we choose fit for purpose, sustainable and cost effective solutions to deliver the project.”
Construction and design has ‘end user in mind’
Robertson Construction Eastern business development director John McHardy said: “In line with giving back to the local communities where we work, we will be delivering the pre-construction works and supply chain engagement for the new bespoke children’s centre for a token fee of £1.
“Together with Charlie House, we will ensure that the facility is constructed and designed with the end user in mind. The meaningful work they do is remarkable and we hope our past and current support has made life at the charity a little easier.”