Design duo to work on Dumfries Maggie’s centre

TWO women will design the new Dumfries Maggie’s Centre, it has been announced.

Roz Barr Architects and Lily Jencks Studio will work together on the building and landscape.

Lily, above, is the daughter of Maggie Keswick Jencks, for whom the charity is named. She has previously designed gardens for Maggie’s centres in Glasgow and Hong Kong.

She will work with Roz to ensure the new support centre at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, and its landscaping, will reflect and harmonise with each other.

Lily said: “To be collaborating with Roz on the design of a centre in Dumfries and Galloway is particularly special.

“Not only do I greatly admire Roz’s work; Dumfries and Galloway means a lot to all our family, and I am always so touched by how fondly my parents are remembered there.

“I am really excited to get to work and help bring Maggie’s vital expert cancer support to the people from across the whole region.”

Added Roz: “To have Lily’s family connection with the region, and in particular to her mum’s extraordinary legacy, is very poignant. I know it will be a pleasure to work together, and I know we will create a thoughtful and beautiful design.

“We are excited to commence this project and build a special space for the people of Dumfries and Galloway living with cancer to be welcomed, decompress and find the crucial psychological and practical care Maggie’s offers.”

The new centre is expected to be open in between three and five years and the regional medical director Dr Kenneth Donaldson said: “We are very excited to see the designs for the proposed Maggie’s centre at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary take shape. Choosing designers who can create a building and gardens that feel welcoming, restorative, and integrated with the hospital grounds is a critical part of making this centre a space where people affected by cancer feel truly supported.

“Each year, around 1200 people in our region are diagnosed with cancer. Having a thoughtfully designed space for free, expert support would make a real difference for patients, families, and friends across Dumfries and Galloway.”

One of those is Dumfries mum Sarah McDiarmid, 43, who lives with stage four cancer.

She is delighted there will be a local Maggie’s and said: “I know what a profound impact Maggie’s expert psychological and practical support has on people living with cancer, as well as their family and friends, and the sooner we can make it happen here in Dumfries and Galloway, the better.”