The expansion of our wellness centre is a crucial part of Bloomhill’s strategy for helping an increasing number of clients touched by cancer into the future.
Expanding the number of therapy rooms will have a direct and tangible benefit on our ability to meet client needs, and also for the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation.
Last month (August) we received tenders for the project build. Unfortunately none of the vendors were able to meet the planned timelines and budgeted costs we have for the renovation.
We know from media reports that we’re not alone in having to rethink what is achievable in the current construction market. Dramatic increases to building project costs, and timeline delays, are widespread at present.
As a charity with a proud history of running ‘on the smell of an oily rag’, we simply don’t have the funds for the entire renovation we had planned, in this market, so we will scale back our plans.
To our clients, thank you for your patience while we work out a revised renovation plan that enables an expansion and significant improvement of our care services. We want value for money and to ensure our beautiful clients enjoy the greatest benefit. We expect it will be able to include:
- 4 new therapy rooms (rather than 7 additional)
- A new gym in the main building (to be located in the administrative wing where current Marketing & Engagement and Administration offices are)
- Re-sealing the tarmac
- Small improvements in the kitchen/cafe.
We expect to have finalised these new plans in the coming month.
We are very unlikely to commence renovations before Christmas 2022, and when they do commence they will be completed much faster. If there is a silver lining, it’s that this will provide some certainty to our clients.
While we can’t know yet whether all care services will be able to continue on site through the renovations, we are confident the works will be much shorter and less disruptive to normal routines.
Café to remain open
A further positive development is that Bloomhill’s fabulous café will also remain open. Thanks to the support and enthusiasm of our wonderful café volunteers, the café will remain open three days a week, Tuesday to Thursday.
We know that our clients and supporters care deeply about what happens in our wellness centre and so we thank you for your support and your patience. We will update you as soon as we can.
Published: 2 September 2022 Author: Christopher John
