Hundreds of local people have had their say on the future use of a former Thirsk hospital with the public calling for the building to become a hospice in the future.
Hambleton District Council is buying the Lambert Hospital to save it for the community it served.
It closed its doors to patients over three years ago.
Councillors are looking at a range of ideas on how to convert the buildings which has included undertaking widespread public consultation to gather local views – through on line and paper surveys and a public meeting.
Almost 450 people answered the survey – with 165 attending the meeting. And those responses have confirmed initial proposals from the authority – to use the building for palliative / respite care through a local hospice.
Just under 400 of the comments said they wanted to see a hospice, respite care, palliative care, dementia and mental health care, post hospital rehabilitation services, and other health related services provided at the Chapel Street location.
Of them 168 asked for a hospice – with 73 specifying Herriot Hospice which has already drawn up plans on how it would use the building.
Other ideas for uses include drop in centre, youth activities, charity space, business start-up space, education, temporary housing, and assisted living space.
“We expected a good response to this consultation as local people are passionate about keeping the Lambert for community use,” said Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“The number of comments we have had back is excellent – we want to work with local people to bring this important building back into use.
“We have already been looking at how a hospice might work in this space, so to see so many people agree that this is something we need not just for the town but for the district as a whole is very positive.”
He said all the response will now be considered and plans will be brought to a second public meeting this summer.
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