ARCHITECTS have released new images of how a £3m cancer visitor centre will look, with work poised to start on the new building.

Those behind the new treehouse design for Maggie’s Welcome Centre say it will be “in tune” with its surroundings.

Architects Wilkinson Eyre say the centre, to be built at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford, will provide a space for patients to relax in and receive support.

The glass and timber design will be light and airy and help patients to feel relaxed, offering views of surrounding trees and fields.

The new facility will be built opposite the cancer centre at the Churchill.

It will replace a temporary building on the edge of the site.

The interim centre at the hospital handles about 8,000 visits a year.

Architect Chris Wilkinson said: “The treehouse concept maximises the relationship between the internal space and the external landscape, offering discreet spaces for relaxation, information and therapy.

“It will provide a sympathetic and caring retreat, in tune with its surroundings.”

Pensioner Sandy Allan, who has breast cancer, said: “All the staff at Maggie’s are brilliant — they make me and my husband Brian feel so welcome — it’s top class and after visiting Maggie’s I feel much more positive about the future.”

Mum-of-one Mrs Allan, 68, from Wantage, added: “I think the treehouse design is fantastic and will help people to relax.”

The centre will offer information, psychological and emotional support, and benefits advice. Work is set to start this summer, with the centre opening next year.