Lewis Manning Hospice Therapeutic Garden Development, Poole
Ashington Hill Provided:
- Feasibility Studies
- Development Consultancy
- Quantity Surveying
- Strategic Cost Planning
- Budget Development
- Option Appraisal
- Risk Management
- Procurement Advice
- Project Phasing Advice
Project Overview
Ashington Hill was appointed to provide feasibility, strategic cost planning and development consultancy services for the proposed enhancement and redevelopment of external garden areas at Lewis Manning Hospice in Poole.
The project formed part of the charity’s wider vision to improve outdoor spaces for patients, families, visitors and staff by creating a high quality therapeutic garden environment that would support wellbeing, reflection and social interaction.
The proposed development aimed to transform underutilised external areas into accessible, landscaped spaces that could be enjoyed by patients and visitors while also supporting fundraising activities, community engagement and future hospice operations.
The Challenge
The charity required an independent assessment of the project’s viability before progressing into detailed design and fundraising activities.
The proposed development needed to balance aspiration, functionality and affordability while ensuring the scheme remained deliverable within the financial constraints of a charitable organisation.
Key considerations included:
- Creation of therapeutic and wellbeing focused outdoor spaces
- Accessibility and inclusive design requirements
- Long term maintenance considerations
- Budget constraints and funding availability
- Integration with existing hospice facilities
- Opportunities for phased delivery
- Maximising value from charitable investment
- Minimising disruption to hospice operations
The client required confidence that the proposed vision could be delivered within a realistic budget framework and that potential risks were understood from the outset.
Our Approach
Ashington Hill worked closely with project stakeholders to understand the charity’s objectives and develop a structured commercial appraisal of the proposed scheme.
Our services included:
- Review of project objectives and stakeholder aspirations
- Assessment of development opportunities
- Preliminary cost planning and benchmarking
- Option appraisal and budget comparisons
- Identification of project risks and opportunities
- Development of contingency allowances
- Procurement strategy recommendations
- Review of phased delivery options
Particular focus was placed on ensuring that the project could be delivered efficiently while maximising the benefit to patients, families, staff and the wider community.
Outcome
Ashington Hill delivered a comprehensive feasibility and cost planning study that provided the charity with a clear understanding of project viability, likely investment requirements and potential delivery strategies.
Our involvement enabled:
- Improved budget certainty
- Early identification of project risks
- Better informed fundraising discussions
- Strategic decision making
- Clear understanding of project affordability
- A structured roadmap for future development
Client Benefits
- Independent commercial advice
- Improved budget certainty
- Support for fundraising and investment decisions
- Strategic project planning
- Early identification of project risks
- Clear development roadmap
- Enhanced confidence in project viability
Project Confidentiality
Certain project information has been omitted or anonymised due to confidentiality obligations and the ongoing nature of project development.
Further information can be provided where appropriate as part of a formal tender, framework submission or client appointment process.
About Ashington Hill
Ashington Hill is a RICS regulated Chartered Construction Consultancy providing Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Contract Administration, Employer’s Agent and Development Consultancy services.
We support charities, heritage organisations, developers and private clients throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and the South of England, helping clients assess viability, manage risk and successfully deliver projects from concept through to completion.