The planning statement contained within the application states that the hospice’s current base, at Racecourse Road, has served Ayrshire “exceptionally well” over the years.

However, it also goes on to state that the building is “failing” and “urgently requires refurbishment and redevelopment” to “address the urgent issues identified” by Health Improvement Scotland highlighted in their latest report.

The grand plans include a new inpatient unit with 18 single, en-suite rooms with private patio as well as two patient and family respite rooms with en-suite facilities.

Bringing clinical and community nursing hubs brought together under the same roof for the first time, the redevelopment will also provide a new day services centre, two spa-worthy therapy rooms, a dedicated occupational therapy space and gym as well as conference space for up to 75 people, a new sensory garden and community cafe, open seven days a week.

With £6.2 million secured for the project, a fundraising campaign has been launched to raise the remaining £6.8m over the next two years.

Carla MacEwan, chief executive at The Ayrshire Hospice, said: “This planning application represents a huge step forward in the provision of specialist palliative and end-of-life care for Ayrshire.

“Our hospice, first opened 32 years ago, is no longer able to keep up with the volume of people who need our care and services.

“Our much-loved existing building in Racecourse Road, has been added to, altered and expanded many times and we cannot adapt it any further.

“Patient numbers are increasing dramatically and we are caring for more patients with increasingly complex illnesses and symptoms.

“Put simply, the care we provide is outstanding but the building is holding us back.

“The new hospice will allow our clinical teams to continue to deliver exceptional care, without hindrance.”

If approved, building work could start in spring 2022 with the new facility opening later the following year.