FOR cancer patients and their families, the day can't come soon enough.

And that day – when Maggie's Nottingham opens its doors – is rapidly approaching.

By early autumn, the first visitors will be able to get free emotional, psychological and practical help at the centre.

Since construction work began last November, the foundations, basement, steel frame and drainage have been completed and builders are now installing walls, floors and the roof of the unique treehouse design.

Large green ceramic tiles will go on around June.

Despite losing five days to the snow in December, builders are on schedule to complete the centre by the end of August.

Then the focus will switch to the interior, which has been conceived by fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.

Community fundraiser Sharon King said: "It's hard to put into words just how exciting it is to see the Maggie's Centre in Nottingham finally taking shape.

"We can't wait to welcome our first visitors and finally offer our vital services to those affected by cancer.

"It's going to make a huge difference."

Among those eagerly awaiting the building's completion is Darren Fletcher, 40, of Bestwood Park.

Darren, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago, said: "I can't wait for Maggie's to open, as this will help so many people dealing with their illness, and their families."

Arnold mum Lesley Wigston, 51, who has advanced ovarian cancer, said: "It's going to be a stunning building and so very needed."

The building is being constructed by Bowmer and Kirkland, which was the principal contractor on the £90m transformation of Nottingham Trent University's landmark Newton and Arkwright buildings.

Director Adrian Grocock said: "It is a privilege working for such a worthwhile charity and being part of a building that will provide a calm, friendly space for people whom are going through a traumatic experience and are adjusting to a difficult part of their lives.

"It really brings it home to you and makes you think about the lives of others, and that it is important to be part of providing the best environment for the patients where their world has been turned upside down."

The centre, designed by renowned architect Piers Gough, is being built on a small, uphill, triangular plot at the City Hospital next to Nottingham Breast Institute.

Mr Grocock said: "The site constraints are merely challenges that we overcome.

"However, the site location does provide issues in regard to the logistics and access of working at the entrance of a busy hospital, along with the constraints imposed by working within an area of mature trees, both in terms of tree and root protection."

It's four years since the Post launched its biggest fund-raising appeal, for £500,000 towards the £3m project. Readers have contributed more than £595,000 of the £2.75m raised so far.

A record of building progress is being made by photographer Nick Dunmur, whose images of a stripy Mini appear on Paul Smith wallets, bags and laptop cases.

Nick, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, plans to create an internet slideshow and possibly a book, which could be sold to raise money for the centre.

He is also proposing an interactive art project in which the handprint of Maggie's visitors would be projected on to a giant screen.

"Everyone visiting the centre would be able to make their mark," said Nick.