Watson Batty Architects has started works on a new care home for Exemplar Health Care with plans to achieve the highest accreditation in design for dementia.
Construction has commenced to deliver Springfield Vale, a 33-bed complex care home in Barnsley. The scheme comprises of three units of accommodation each providing ten bedrooms with communal areas, an activities hub, a therapy room, a hair /beauty salon and communal accessible gardens.
The state-of-the-art 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.
Understanding the importance that specialist design for aging and dementia has in assisting independently living, Exemplar Health Care has selected Springfield Vale to be assessed by the University of Stirling DSDC (Dementia Services Development Centre).
Stirling DCSC is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia. It draws on research and best practice from around the world by providing comprehensive up to date resources on all aspects of dementia helping to translate into policy-informing practice. It houses a design and technology suite showcasing inspiring technology and equipment, a virtual care home that allows for visualisation of new ideas, and a conference centre which hosts regular international masterclasses bringing together dementia-care experts from around the world.
With construction underway, Springfield Vale is in the detailed design stage of the accreditation process. The building will be audited by Stirling University DSDC early 2026 when operational following completion in December 2025.
Watson Batty has already delivered ten new homes for Exemplar Health Care with a further four developments currently on site. With a highly specialised team in creating environments for Specialist Care, Watson Batty is assisting Exemplar Health Care to ensure that its care homes are future focused and sustainable for those whose needs are considered too complex for mainstream care providers.
Gemma Bottomley at Watson Batty said:
“We are delighted that Exemplar Health Care are working with us to achieve this important recognition with Stirling DSDC. This is the highest accolade achievable for dementia care environments and will become a benchmark for future developments to come.
“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 that 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.”
Exemplar Health Care is one of the UK’s leading nursing care providers for adults living with complex and high acuity needs. It operates over 50 complex care services across England and employs more than 5000 people.
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. The accreditation from the Dementia Services Development Centre will not only recognise our continued efforts but also help us lead the way in innovative design in the complex care sector.
“As we expand our services, we remain dedicated to creating high-quality care environments that empower people to live fulfilling lives.”
Established nearly 50 years ago, Watson Batty Architects is a future focused business offering architectural, interior design and master planning solutions for all sectors. Employing a team of 35 people across offices in Leeds and Loughborough, the practice is credited for many major public and private sector projects including schools, universities, sport and leisure, distribution facilities, commercial, master planning, residential and care developments and transport hubs.
Watson Batty is working with the University of Leeds, Leeds Becket University and Loughborough University to provide several new specialist health, science, and engineering facilities. Its team is also involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University, Huddersfield, Leicester, and Loughborough University.