Hastings private hospital removes house so it can expand

L-R Denise Primrose, Harcourts' Jan Mackie, who sold the house and Kaine Wilson, managing director Harcourts Hawke's Bay, with the house as it was prepped for removal. Photo / Warren Buckland

A house in Hastings is being uplifted and relocated, right down to the white picket fence, to make way for the expansion of Royston Hospital.

Royston Hospital bought the property, which neighbours Royston Hospital, about a year ago, hospital general manager Denise Primrose said.

"The idea was born then that we would like to create this as a opportunity to give to charity."

They decided to sell, rather than demolish the house, and the $25,000 raised will be split between two charities, Cranford Hospice and Hawke's Bay Brain Injury Association.

Cranford Hospice seemed like a natural choice to donate to, as both Royston and Harcourts had a longstanding relationship with the hospice, Primrose said.

They would receive $20,000 at their annual fundraiser, the Hawke's Bay Wine
Auction.

The Hawke's Bay Brain Injury Association was nominated by the staff at Royston, and would receive $5000.

"We are grateful to Harcourt's Hawke's Bay, who marketed the home and managed the
tender at no cost, allowing us to donate a larger amount to our chosen charities," Primrose said.

She said removing the house also saved the waste that demolition creates.

"Preservation of older buildings has environmental merit and promotes sustainable development, which is something we were keen to support."

The Royston expansion will feature two new operating theatres, expanded post-anaesthesia care unit, new day surgery facilities, a redesigned reception and entrance and expanded tenancy space.