Construction has begun on Springfield Vale, a 33-bed complex care home in Barnsley for Exemplar Health Care, which will feature three units of accommodation, each providing 10 bedrooms with communal areas, an activities hub, a therapy room, a hair/beauty salon and communal gardens.
The development is to provide nursing care for adults living with complex needs arising from brain injuries, dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities and physical disabilities.
Exemplar Health Care has selected Springfield Vale to be assessed by the University of Stirling DSDC (Dementia Services Development Centre). Stirling DCDC is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia.
With construction underway, Springfield Vale is in the detailed design stage of the accreditation process. The building will be audited by Stirling University DSDC in early 2026, when operational, following completion in December 2025.
Watson Batty has already delivered 10 new homes for Exemplar Health Care with a further four developments currently on site.
Gemma Bottomley at Watson Batty said: “Statistics indicate that by 2030, there will be over one million people living with dementia in the UK. We have a duty as designers to ensure our projects are designed with the user in mind, not just for care homes but for all public buildings and external spaces where more independent living can be supported.”
Charlotte Lloyd, director of commissioning at Exemplar Health Care, said: “We are proud to be working with Watson Batty Architects to create a care home that sets a new standard for dementia care. At Exemplar Health Care, we are committed to creating homes that support independence, dignity, and quality of life for people with complex needs. “Springfield Vale will be a reflection of this commitment, offering state-of-the-art facilities designed to promote wellbeing while ensuring a truly person-centred approach to care.”
