EXCLUSIVE new architects images of the �1.5m Palliative Care East Centre can be revealed by the Mercury today.

Families have spent more than half a decade raising cash to build the day care centre, and it is set to open its doors by Christmas this year.

And new images from Norwich-based LSI Architects can give fundraisers a further glimpse of the centre they have helped to make a reality.

Digital pictures show the lush green plant life that will surround the centre, and inviting open spaces within which allow sunlight to pour into the building.

The central space will be a dramatic curving shape resembling a boat, a reminder of the scheme's seaside context and of the notion of an ark as a place of refuge.

Tenders for building work on the support centre have now closed, and a main contractor will soon be appointed.

Construction work is to get under way next month.

The Palliative Care East (PCE) appeal was launched in 2006 and the latest round of local fundraising has brought the total to within just �100,000 of its �1.5 million target.

The new information and supportive care centre at the James Paget University Hospital is expected to open by December, and it is estimated 10,000 people a year will use the centre.

The resource centre and outreach service is a partnership between NHS Norfolk and Waveney, local county councils and the voluntary sector including funds from the Palliative Care East appeal.

The service will offer patients and carers a one-stop-shop service for information and supportive services. It will not have beds but will offer a 'home from home' environment offering access to specialist palliative care support and advice, counselling, bereavement services, complementary therapies, welfare advice and information about life-limiting illnesses.

For details about the project, call Jenny Watson on 01493 453348 www.palliative-care-east.org.uk