WORK to create a children's hospice at old council buildings in Devizes is about to begin.

Julia’s House has just signed a 999 year lease on two former offices at the old Kennet District Council headquarters at Browfort and now has keys to the building.

Wiltshire Council has approved architectural plans for the new hospice in Devizes and the charity is now busy with contractors Wates to schedule the build. It is hoped that work can begin in earnest this summer with a planned opening next year.

Julia’s House existing hospice in Dorset, has a Jurassic Coast theme, and the new hospice will embrace the heritage of Wiltshire by incorporating bright, child-friendly Neolithic designs inside and out.

Chief executive Martin Edwards said: "The Devizes hospice will have the homely atmosphere of Julia’s House in Dorset but its larger size means we can include some extra additions. Now we can really begin the work that will give families all over Wiltshire access to high quality frequent respite care.

"My thanks to Wiltshire Council and the Wiltshire Community Foundation for all their kind help and hard work in getting us to this point so quickly.”

Among the features of the new hospice will be a large central play room, sensory and therapy rooms, an activity area/teenagers’ den and a self-contained end-of- life suite. Outside there will be a wheelchair-accessible garden with wheelchair trampoline, water feature and sensory planting.

Julia’s House has already expanded its community care team to meet the demand from Wiltshire families for respite at home.

The two original nurses, Claire Hudson-Cooper and Hannah Ayles, have been joined by four more nurses – including lead nurse Heather Philpotts who heads up the team –plus seven carers.

This growth is partly due to a rise in the number of oncology referrals which require two care staff for each respite session because of the complex needs of the child.

Julia’s House is supporting 24 families with a growing list of referrals stretching as far north as Marlborough. Once the Devizes hospice opens the charity will be able to roll out countywide care.

Rebecca Thursby, who received care at home for her daughter Sophia, two, and lives at All Cannings near Devizes said: “We are thrilled and excited to hear the great news that Julia's House is ready to start work on the new hospice in Wiltshire. This new specialist facility will make a huge difference to us and so many other families like ours. We can't wait for its arrival.”"

Carer Emily Glen said: “It is so exciting to know a hospice for Wiltshire isn’t far away now. It feels special to be part of it all – and there is such a great team spirit among our growing band of nurses and carers. We are getting to know and support more and more families and really making a difference to their lives. “

Carer Rhian Lowe said: “Now we have the bricks and mortar of the new hospice and the work is about to begin we are making a commitment to Wiltshire - we are here to stay.

“There is a real sense of excitement among our Wiltshire families because they know the new hospice will give them access to even more services and social events. They feel part of the wider Julia’s House family which is lovely.”