JDDK’s first hospice for Marie Curie was completed in 1995 in the west end of Newcastle with a construction cost of £3.2m. This award winning design marked the start of a fruitful, and currently ongoing, working relationship with the charity that has resulted in several flagship Marie Curie hospice buildings around the UK.

The Newcastle Hospice accommodates 24 bedrooms with day facilities, education department and supporting administrative spaces. The style of the hospice design developed as a result of detailed discussions with the hospice managers as well as the end users, the intention being to create the atmosphere of a large, comfortable house with generous garden areas, to create a sense of wellbeing.

The style of a home environment belies the advanced technical servicing which backs up the high standards of palliative care that are provided. The resultant building offers a comfortable environment for users receiving care whilst enabling staff to utilise the most advanced technology with ease.

The building also incorporates a chapel which fulfils a number of roles: to provide a space for worship by a variety of faiths, to allow for quiet contemplation for both patients and their families, staff and visitors as well as providing a venue for concerts, recitals and special events such as carol singing at Christmas.