The new facility links to the existing building through an avenue of mature trees. Named ‘Jack’s Place’ in memory of the principal benefactor, the new unit has been specifically designed to meet the needs of young people, providing communal facilities for socialising as well as specialist medical support spaces. These needs were the subject of detailed briefing led by clinicians and carers to anticipate future needs, with input from the young people themselves.

The consultation process was important to understand the exceptional and even unique requirements of young adults with life-limiting illness. For instance, thermal comfort and climatic control is paramount due to some of their immune systems having limited functionality. The inclusion of a large hydrotherapy pool to assist mobility and offer sensory stimulation is another example of the many essentials of their lives.