Balfour Beatty has been chosen as contractor to build a £21m hospice in Glasgow.

Above: The new hospice is designed by Ryder Architecture

The new Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is being built at Bellahouston Park on land gifted by Glasgow City Council.

It will be the first hospice in the UK to follow the Scandinavian Sengetun model of care, which has placemaking at the centre of its approach, providing space for privacy, dignity and compassionate care for all ages. It is on course to open in 2018.

Chief executive Rhona Baillie said: “I am delighted to announce that Balfour Beatty will help us realise our dream to build a 21st-century healthcare facility for the people of Glasgow. This is a major step forward as work now starts at the site.”

Balfour Beatty regional managing director Hector Macaulay added: “The way the community has pulled together over the last four years has been really impressive, raising vast sums of money to bring this state-of-the-art facility to fruition.

“We’re pleased to have got construction underway, and to be working closely with The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice to deliver a facility which will provide high quality care for patients and their families.”

The Glasgow office of law firm Pinsent Masons has provided pro bono work on the building project.

Alastair Forbes of Ryder Architecture is leading the team of architects. He said: “We are delighted to see construction works commence and the realisation of this unique new hospice building. The project team have worked closely with The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice over a long period of time to reach this moment and we look forward to working with Balfour Beatty Construction Services in this exciting next stage.”

The hospice still has to raise £2.7m of the £21m needed to finish the build. To donate, visit www.ppwh.org.uk/donate or text BRICK to 70660.