Chocolate Works named best care village

The Chocolate Works Care Village in York, which is run by Springfield Healthcare Group, won the Pinders Healthcare Design Award at a ceremony in London for its residential, nursing and dementia care setting.

The judges said they were impressed with the sympathetic way the building has been preserved and given a new lease of life, combining original character with modern-day innovation. 

They commented: “Residents can experience the changing seasons and time of day as they enjoy a stroll through the gardens, sit under the oak tree or visit one of the many shops, pub, hairdressers, coffee bar or cinema beneath the vast glazed atrium – the cinema doubles as a well-being room with a Coelux rooflight reproducing the visual effects of the sun and sky. Apparently everyone living there has rated it as being ‘All Gold’”.

The Chocolate Works Care Village on Bishopthorpe Road, York, opened in June 2017 following a £10m renovation of the old headquarters of Terry’s of York.

The central double height glazed atrium has been preserved and transformed into a unique ‘marketplace’ setting for the residents and visitors. The village also includes a café, restaurant, spa, hairdresser, gym and even its own fully licensed pub, The Duke of York. A large roof terrace allows residents to enjoy uninterrupted views across York towards the Minster.

Graeme Lee, group chief executive, said “As a long established family business an award like this means a great deal as it is testament to the hard work, passion and commitment of such a lot of people.” Springfield was the first project in Yorkshire to attract finance from the Business Growth fund.