Laura Lee, Maggie’s CEO, said:  “This is really exciting news.  What a great step forward for Maggie’s North East and for the thousands of people in the region affected by cancer.  The granting of planning permission for the centre takes us closer towards realising our vision of having emotional and practical support in the region for those with cancer, their friends and family.  The design of the Centre by Ted Cullinan CBE is truly wonderful. It is now a case of continuing with our successful fundraising drive to reach the target of £3million.  With such great backing from the local community, we are sure we can reach this target and commence building in the near future.”

Lucy Spencer, Project Architect for Maggie's North East, from Edward Cullinan Architects, said:

 "We are delighted that Maggie's North East has received planning permission. We have worked closely with Maggie's to design a building that will be calm and inviting to use and enjoyable to walk through: and it is based on the premise that architecture can help people through life. 


“The building incorporates solar panels on the roof and thick insulation which will contribute to making it very energy efficient and environmentally green. It will also appear to be green, as there will be plants and flowers growing all over the building, with a meadow rolling up the surrounding earth banks, a sheltered courtyard which all the rooms open out onto and a green roof garden for visitors to use with beech hedges, lawns and trees."

Denise Heron, Maggie’s North East Community Fundraiser, added: “I am so pleased to hear the news that Maggie’s North East has been given the green light.  What a good start to 2011 for us and I am sure it will only get better and better, as we get closer to going onsite with the building. Thanks to everyone in the community who is helping us towards our fundraising goal.  Let’s push forward and have a successful 2011.”