We have fabulous news to share!!! Over the period of the last two years our Hillcrest development team has worked closely with architect Katherine Jones, Barrett Associates Ltd Structural and Civil Engineers, and Beacons Project Associates Ltd on an exciting project. We are planning to develop our Rehoming Centre at Hillcrest and we are delighted to tell you that we have been granted a planning permission.There are currently 6 double kennels and 1 single kennel at Hillcrest. We are planning to double the number of kennels so that in our full capacity we will be able to accommodate 24 dogs. The focus of the design has been to provide safe and secure accommodation which is comfortable for dogs and for people who care for them. We want to make sure that our kennels are warm during the cold months and cool when temperatures raise. We want them to be cost effective to operate and maintain. We also want to make sure that the new centre has minimal environmental impact.
Prices of materials and contracts have been affected by the pandemic and now, that we have the permission to build, we need to reassess the costs. Only then will we be ready to launch a fundraising appeal. We hope to be able to include such features as underfloor heating throughout all accommodation areas powered by renewable energy heat pump, solar panels and high levels of insulation. Anyone who has visited our centre is aware that parts of the grounds get flooded in the periods of high rainfall and draining water is a problem – we will want to apply a sustainable surface water drainage solution.
Our dogs would benefit from a dedicated isolation block and a fully equipped hospital accommodation for dogs recovering from injuries and operations. We hope to include new meet and greet areas for dogs and their potential new families and an indoor exercise and enrichment space. We are also planning to create a sensory garden planted with native species providing stimulation and relieving stress and anxiety.
It will be at least a year before we can hope to be able to start the build but we will keep you up to date.