This rather dramatic new building on Hathersage Road is the Ronald McDonald House designed by the architectural practice of AEW.  It sits beside the new Manchester Children's Hospital and provides accommodation for the families of children being treated there.  It offers 60 beds and a variety of services to support families who wish to stay close to the hospital.  The design of the building included provision for a further expansion to add another 35 rooms.  The architects say of the building that it, "... has been designed to reflect the client’s high architectural ambition for the site and the use of colour on the exterior of the building has been introduced to provide positive psychological properties. Green – to provide harmony, peace and reassurance and Grey – to provide neutrality and a link with the new hospital building." 



The Ronald McDonald House website says that, " We look after families while they’re supporting a seriously ill child in hospital. A close supportive family helps children feel safe in unfamiliar surroundings.  The accommodation we provide is free of charge and a stone’s throw from the children’s ward.  Families can stay for as long as they need to - whether it’s for two nights or two years."  It adds that, " Ronald McDonald House Manchester cost £7.5 million to build, and is situated opposite the entrance to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. The bedrooms of the House are designed over four floors, each of which is themed. There are also further lounges, kitchens, dining areas, playrooms, laundry facilities, a teenager room and a quiet room on the ground floor. "