A new £6million Maggie’s Centre is to be built in the grounds of The Christie after it received the green light from Manchester planning chiefs.
The centre is set to open in 2016 and is being designed by world-renowned architect, Lord Norman Foster.
Working in partnership with The Christie, the new Maggie’s Centre will provide free practical support for anyone living with cancer as well as their family and friends.
Maggie’s charity provides practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer, bringing cancer support of the highest quality to people in the North West.
“Surrounded by green space, the centre will be in a beautiful location and Lord Foster’s inspirational design ensures the landscape is reflected throughout the building, creating a calm and uplifting environment for everyone that visits the centre,” Maggie’s Chief Executive Laura Lee said.
Lord Foster is one of the leading architects of his generation and the works of his practice, Foster and Partners, include an international portfolio of famous buildings such as Hong Kong International airport.
Set in a peaceful garden, the natural timber structure will be beautifully illuminated with natural light.
“This project has a particular personal significance, as I was born in the city and have first-hand experience of the distress of a cancer diagnosis,” said Lord Foster.
“I believe in the power of architecture to lift the spirits and help in the process of therapy.”
Maggie’s Centres are warm and welcoming places with qualified professionals on hand to offer a programme of support that has been shown to improve physical and emotional well-being.
The support available at the new Maggie’s Centre will include psychological support, benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy, tai chi and yoga.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer at The Christie, Dr Stephanie Jenkins, said: “This is an exciting step forward in a development which will make a huge difference to our patients and their families.
“A Maggie’s Centre will significantly enhance the cancer care and support already offered at The Christie, giving our patients access to a wider range of therapies and support.”
There are already 17 Maggie’s Centres across the UK and all are designed by leading architects.
Each architect offers a unique interpretation, based on the needs of a person living with cancer, to create the calm environments so important to the people in the Centres.
“We look forward to fulfilling our ambition to provide the highest quality cancer support to the people of the North West,” added Dr Jenkins.
Image courtesy of TheChristieNHS via YouTube, with thanks
