A HOSPICE has submitted plans for their Maldon base to become a hub for the community.

Farleigh Hospice have formally submitted plans for a fresh opening of the hub including extending and refurbishing the new building in Mill Road.

The proposal includes a part single, part two-storey front extension to the new site which will create a new entrance.

And clinical or consulting rooms would be on the ground floor, as well as a community café.

Plans also involve a new garden courtyard to the midsection of the existing building and a garden to the rear.

Farleigh Hospice chief executive, Alison Stevens said: “Over the last 18 months, Farleigh Hospice has continued to meet the increasing demand for hospice services within Maldon and the surrounding areas during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Prior to this, we made a commitment to the local community to have a physical presence in the area following the closure of our old Farleigh in Maldon Hospice site."

The building on Mill Road was purchased in January last year and was quickly made a temporary base for their South Team to operate throughout the pandemic.

To move the development forward they set up a Maldon Project Group and appointed a architect from the area, Annabel Brown to help make the best use of the space and ensure it meets their needs both now and in the future.

Alison said: “As part of the purchase process, we consulted with residents and business in the area to establish their views on what they wanted from a new hospice site.

"In response, we are working with a Maldon-based architect to create a facility which incorporates the feedback gained from this public consultation in the design.

"Our plan is to refurbish this premises and make Farleigh at Maldon a local hub for Farleigh patients, families and bereaved clients with an additional opportunity to include community groups and other charities where possible.

“We are currently preparing a capital appeal seeking support from the local community to help us in creating a wonderful facility which will be an asset to the people of Maldon and the surrounding area for many years to come.”

To donate to the Maldon appeal visit the website here.