The £1m refurbishment of Princess Alice Hospice was officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor of London.

Fiona Woolf cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Esher hospice’s new open-plan reception, cafe and dining areas for patients, families and visitors on Friday, May 23.

As part of the refurbishment project, which began in October 2013, the ground floor of the hospice was extended, redesigned and completely refurbished to become a light and airy space.

Nicki Shaw, chief executive of Princess Alice Hospice, said: “This new development has created an uplifting, welcoming and very positive environment which reflects the compassionate care that we give.

“It is a total transformation of the public areas of the hospice.”

The space will be used for group activities and meetings and will allow hospice patients and their families to enjoy time together in a less clinical environment.

A playroom for young visitors and a treatment room have also been created.

Speaking at the opening, the Lord Mayor said: “This fantastic facility is part of the home from home the hospice offers here. It is a beautiful, flexible multi-functional space.

“It is so uplifting, so welcoming and so positive.

“I am delighted that the facilities now can match the high quality of care offered at the Princess Alice Hospice.”

The project received a £482,639 grant from the Department of Health as part of a Government capital grant programme to improve hospice environments.