The future of the Hospice Hope is looking bright after 'unique' work started this week to build the charity a new home.

North West Leicestershire District Council has provided land in Swannington so that Hospice Hope can create a bespoke facility and continue its work supporting people with life limiting conditions.

Local house builder Bloor Homes will carry out the building work at no cost to the charity.

Work started on site to build Bright Hope House on Monday, with the centre expected to open early 2024.

In 2019, Hospice Hope learned that it would have to move out of its current accommodation in Griffydam, so the trustees turned to the district council for ideas.

In response, the council agreed to lease some of its land, currently used to store spare wheelie bins, to the charity for a peppercorn - low or nominal - rent.

Bloor Homes has now started building the bespoke 6,000 sq ft facility. 

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC said: "This is a very exciting time, as work to build Bright Hope House begins in Swannington.

"The facility will secure the future of a fantastic charity which supports so many local people.

"It has been our pleasure to work with Hospice Hope and Bloor Homes on this important project, and we look forward to seeing the building take shape over the coming months."

Stewart Shepherd, Chair of the Trustees of Hospice Hope says the charity is delighted with the news: "This wonderful partnership between the council, Bloor Homes and our charity must be unique.

"It enables Hospice Hope to develop and build on all that it has learned and achieved over many years.

"The need for our services continues to grow and develop and we are all looking forward to meeting that need when Bright Hope House opens.

"As the building progresses, we shall be looking to the community and local businesses to support this excellent initiative."