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A final decision is to be made on expansion plans for Claire House Children's Hospice, which has been operating from its base in Wirral for more than 25 years.
The hospice has advertised a Liverpool Appeal on their website, asking for help to build the hospital, citing a need for local care across Merseyside as their prime reason. Claire House has said 60 percent of their new referrals are from around Liverpool, and their caseload is only growing.
According to Birkenhead News, the charity acquired the former Carmelite Monastery site in West Derby, Liverpool, six years ago and has since carried out minor internal refurbishment to make it functional for day care facilities for families and children.
But a full extension has not gone ahead until now.
Plans have been submitted to Liverpool City Council for extensions and further upgrades to the site, located on Honey Green Lane. The aim is to create a round-the-clock care facility closer to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
The bigger picture is to create a cutting-edge children's hospice providing services for babies, children, and young adults up to 25, as well as their families.
Planning documents show how the changes will be made at the former nun-occupied site. The property is a square building with internal courtyards and 20 car parking spaces, including two disabled spaces.
What's being proposed is a two-storey extension to the site and a single-storey extension to the rear of the current building, once part of it is demolished. A linked pathway would be installed as well.
The plans also suggested a new pavilion to connect the extension by a covered link, which would occupy the western part of the site with terraces and private gardens for overnight rooms, family bedrooms, and private bereavement suites.
But the main feature? It's a central courtyard encircled by a fully glazed ambulatory, with four small huts offering secluded spaces for retreat and reflection.
The plans have been recommended for approval, but a final decision will be made by Liverpool City Council on 30 June.
