ROBERTSON Construction Eastern has been appointed to help deliver a dedicated support centre for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families in Aberdeen.
Local charity Charlie House has tasked Robertson with leading on all construction-based elements, with the firm poised to deliver pre-construction support during the early planning stages, assist with value engineering, and help with organising the required sub-contractors and supply chain elements to complete the build.
Once the whole project team has been finalised, Robertson will be the driving force behind the official development of a physical Charlie House. Set on four acres of land within Woodend Hospital, the facility will prevent families from having to travel more than 100 miles to get vital support and respite care.
Initial plans for the build are set to commence before November this year, with the foundations expected to be laid during spring 2024. Once the build has started, it is expected to take 18-24 months to complete.
Tracy Johnstone, founder and chair of Charlie House, said, “Robertson is a fantastic family-based business which is passionate about helping local organisations. We first established a relationship with its team members a number of years ago while they were constructing The Events Complex Aberdeen (TECA). From 2017 until 2019, Robertson fundraised for our cause, raising more than £30,000.
“Since then, the company has been a fantastic supporter, determined to help us reach our goal. Robertson has significant experience in delivering major projects, which include healthcare and education institutions, and will assist us by accessing its extensive and credible supply chain, ensuring we choose fit for purpose, sustainable and cost effective solutions to deliver the project.”
John McHardy, business development director at Robertson Construction Eastern, added, “In line with giving back to the local communities where we work, we will be delivering the pre-construction works and supply chain engagement for the new bespoke children’s centre for a token fee of £1. Together with Charlie House, we will ensure that the facility is constructed and designed with the end user in mind. The meaningful work they do is remarkable, and we hope our past and current support has made life at the charity a little easier.”
Following completion, the centre will enable children and their families to make precious memories together. The plans include a sensory room, spa pool, craft room, soft play area and therapy room, as well as family suites and children’s bedrooms to make the facility feel like a home away from home.
Tracy added, “We’re incredibly proud to have reached this major milestone and would like to thank the team at Robertson Construction Eastern for its invaluable guidance and expertise that we’ve received so far.”
Charlie House launched the Big Build Appeal in 2018 to raise funds for the project and has raised just over £5 million, which will directly contribute to the facility’s development.
In 2022 the charity also launched its Buy a Brick campaign as a more accessible form of fundraising for smaller groups or individuals. Each brick costs £250, which can be donated through a one-off payment, a monthly payment plan or through fundraising with family, friends and work teams.
To find out more about the Big Build Appeal and the Buy a Brick campaign, visit https://bigbuild.charliehouse.org.uk/
