Reuben’s Retreat has appointed Hadfield-based Building Projects Group to undertake the next stage in the development of the charity’s forever home.
Reuben’s Retreat helps families who have children with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness, or those who have lost a child.
Building Projects Group has now begun work on phases four, five and six at the Retreat.
The three phases, which are part of a 10-phase, multi-million pound project, will include the creation of a hydro suite, a sensory play area, movie room, offices, and fully-accessible changing facilities.
The work should take around 30 weeks and will involve comprehensive structural works, extensions, full electrical and mechanical upgrades, and fitout.
It will also see the creation of a feature glazed link, a new entrance, and plantroom.
The charity bought the old Wood’s Hospital in Glossop in 2014, taking on the challenge of renovating it from near dereliction to become Reuben’s Retreat, a place where families can relax, recharge, remember, and rebuild.
It was set up in memory of 23-month old Reuben, who fell ill while on a family holiday in Devon in August 2012.
A trip to A&E revealed a rare and aggressive brain tumour and he sadly never regained consciousness and passed away a week later in his mother, Nicola Graham’s arms.
She said: “Building Projects Group stood out as a partner that understood what we are about and who would help us achieve our aims.
“We can’t wait to be able to offer our families the use of the hydro suite and playrooms – it’s a vital and exciting stage of our development.”