Walter Thompson is proud to announce the successful completion of Springfield Vale Care Home in Barnsley, marking the 20th care home we have proudly delivered together.

Construction commenced in October 2024, with the project delivered over a 67-week programme. Formerly an unused car park, the site has been transformed into a modern, purpose-built specialist dementia home that now provides expert nurse-led care for adults living with complex needs.

Springfield Vale, Barnsley Features:

• 33 spacious bedrooms, each with private ensuite wet rooms
• Three 11-bed community households to support small-group living
• Circadiam Rhythm Lighting
• Communal lounges and dining areas on every floor
• Quiet lounges and assisted bathrooms
• An activities hub and dedicated therapy room
• Sensory bathrooms and a beauty salon
• Accessible landscaped gardens with potting shed

Constructed With Evidence-Based Dementia Design Principles

The project was designed in collaboration with the University of Stirling and its internationally recognised Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC). Developed using evidence-based environmental design principles. The building’s layout, lighting, materials and wayfinding have been carefully considered to reduce anxiety, support orientation and enhance overall wellbeing for residents living with dementia.

The home also features the installation of circadian lighting throughout the building. This innovative technology is designed to support residents’ natural sleep-wake cycles, helping to improve mood, comfort and overall wellbeing. By integrating thoughtful design with modern building solutions, the project demonstrates how innovation can directly enhance quality of care.

Sustainability was embedded throughout the build process with the integration of Solar panels and an air source heat pump. These technologies significantly reduce energy consumption and help lower the building’s overall carbon footprint, ensuring long-term environmental and operational efficiency.

Springfield Vale has created approximately 100 local healthcare jobs, strengthening care provision in the Barnsley area and contributing to the local economy.

This project demonstrates that when evidence-based dementia design principles are coupled with modern construction methods and sustainable technologies, you can create environments that are not only functionally supportive but profoundly life enhancing for those living with Dementia.

Paul Hammerton, Managing Director, Walter Thompson, said:

“We are proud to have worked alongside Exemplar Health Care to deliver Springfield Vale, marking the 20th care home we have proudly delivered together. By bringing evidence-based dementia design principles, developed with the University of Stirling and the Dementia Services Development Centre, to life on site, we have helped create the UK’s first ‘Gold’ accredited nursing home, reflecting the care and collaboration behind this project.”

This project forms part of Exemplar Health Care’s wider growth programme to expand access to complex nursing care services across England.

We are proud to have delivered a facility that not only meets the highest construction standards, but also makes a meaningful difference to residents, families, care professionals and the wider community.