A beautiful new Ronald McDonald house opens in Halifax Tuesday.

The Tower Road location has offered a home-away-from-home for sick children undergoing hospital treatment and their families since 1982.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Atlantic says more than 30,000 Maritime families have stayed there during that time, but due to increased demand in recent years, they’ve had to turn away hundreds.

The bigger building on South Street will accommodate 36 Maritime families – twice as many as the old one. It will serve more than 1,400 families per year from across the region.

With 44,000 square feet, the new home is fully accessible and offers welcoming modern spaces including a fully equipped kitchen, common areas and an outdoor play area.