Watson Batty Architects has commenced construction on Springfield Vale, a 33-bed specialist care home in Barnsley, designed for Exemplar Health Care. The facility aims to achieve the highest accreditation in dementia design from the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC). 

Springfield Vale is being developed to provide nursing care for adults with complex needs, including brain injuries, dementia, mental health conditions, neuro-disabilities, and physical disabilities. The facility will comprise three accommodation units, each offering ten bedrooms with communal areas, an activities hub, a therapy room, a hair and beauty salon, and accessible communal gardens.

Understanding the significance of specialist design in promoting independent living for individuals with dementia, Exemplar Health Care has selected Springfield Vale to undergo assessment by the DSDC. The DSDC is an international centre of knowledge and expertise dedicated to improving the lives of people living with dementia. It draws on global research and best practices to provide comprehensive resources on all aspects of dementia, translating them into policy-informing practices. 

With construction underway, Springfield Vale is currently in the detailed design stage of the accreditation process. The building is scheduled for completion in December 2025 and will be audited by the DSDC in early 2026 once operational.

Watson Batty Architects has previously delivered ten new homes for Exemplar Health Care, with four additional developments currently on site. The firm specialises in creating environments for specialist care, assisting Exemplar Health Care in ensuring that its care homes are future-focused and sustainable for individuals whose needs are considered too complex for mainstream care providers.

Gemma Bottomley at Watson Batty stated, “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 operates over 50 complex care services across England and employs more than 5,000 people. Charlotte Lloyd, Director of Commissioning at Exemplar Health Care, commented, “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 across various sectors. Employing a team of 35 people across offices in Leeds and Loughborough, the practice is credited with numerous major public and private sector projects, including schools, universities, sports and leisure facilities, distribution centres, commercial developments, master planning, residential and care developments, and transport hubs.

Watson Batty is also collaborating with the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and Loughborough University to provide new specialist health, science, and engineering facilities. Additionally, its team is involved with the RIBA Student Mentoring Programme at the University of Sheffield, De Montfort University, Huddersfield, Leicester, and Loughborough University.