A new centre that is being built at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N) is nearing completion. 

The campaigners behind the Priscilla Bacon Lodge are "within touching distance" of hitting their £12.5m fundraising target to ensure the Norfolk hospice is completed.

Eastern Daily Press: Work on the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge Work on the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge (Image: Mike Page)

As these aerial photographs show, the centre is in its final stages and the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity has announced just £250,000 more is needed to complete the construction, fitting-out and landscaping. 

When opened, the site will provide state-of-the-art palliative care unit for people with terminal or life-limiting illnesses.

Eastern Daily Press: The new Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice is taking shape, but campaigners hope the public will help them hit their fundraising targetThe new Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice is taking shape, but campaigners hope the public will help them hit their fundraising target (Image: Mike Page)

Sandra Dinneen, strategic project advisor for the charity, said: "We are thrilled that we are in touching distance of our fundraising target, which means that the new much needed Priscilla Bacon Lodge is so close to completion.

Eastern Daily Press: Sandra DinneenSandra Dinneen (Image: Archant)

"We anticipate the building being handed over by contractors in the summer and , following an intense period of fitting-out and equipping, we expect to welcome the first patients in late summer as we transition from the current facility to the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Eastern Daily Press: Work on the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospiceWork on the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice (Image: Mike Page)

"In addition to the work taking place within the building, huge progress is being made on the gardens and the landscaping of the eight-acre site to avoid any disruption after the new hospice has opened to patients."

Eastern Daily Press: A design for the gardens at the new Priscilla Bacon LodgeA design for the gardens at the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge (Image: James Alexander-Sinclair)

Fundraising, backed by the Eastern Daily Press, began in 2019.

Construction on the unit, to replace the current Priscilla Bacon Lodge off Unthank Road in Norwich, which was built more than 40 years ago, started in February last year.

As well as inpatient beds, a day unit and a wellbeing centre, the lodge will act as a hub for community-based services.

Ms Dinneen said: "We urge the community in Norfolk to help us to raise the final £250,000 to complete the project and to pledge their support through volunteering and fundraising for the charity."

Visit www.priscillabaconhospice.org.uk/donate to donate.