Willmott Dixon has been chosen for a £30m programme of regeneration at Barnes Hospital in Richmond.
The new NHS mental health facility, which has now begun construction, is part of the greater development, which includes a new Special Educational Needs (SEN) school.
This major investment in health and educational provision across the borough has been made possible by funding from South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and LocatED, an arms-length body of the Department for Education.
The construction expert also recently completed a nearby project, handing over Chiswick Health centre 15 mins away by car. The new project was given to Willmott Dixon through the Southern Construction Framework.
Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon’s Managing Director in the South, said: "This will see sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality spaces created that will help shape a healthier future for people living in Barnes.”
The NHS Trust’s Chief Executive, Vanessa Ford, explained that the new mental healthcare facility is aimed to be community-facing for people in Richmond.
“Our Better Communities programme is driving important changes across our estate and we are excited to see construction begin here at Barnes as we strive to create environments that improve patient experience, reduce mental health stigma, and bring care closer to home.”
The new NHS facility will provide accommodation for a range of community mental health services
New capabilities
The new NHS facility will provide accommodation for a range of community mental health services, which relocated from Barnes to the Trust’s Livingston House facility in Teddington in 2023.
When Barnes reopens in 2027, the Trust’s expanded community services will continue to operate from both sites, supporting accessibility across the borough.
Barnes’ redevelopment has been informed by consultations with staff, patients and the wider community over several years, with a residential development led by LS Estates also due to come forward on the remaining part of the site.
Design of the new facility took into account the end user by using experts, such as patient advocate, Kathy Sheldon, Chair of the Friends of Barnes Hospital.
Sheldon said: “We have really enjoyed being part of co-designing the new Barnes over a number of years and look forward to continuing to support the Trust in the final stages of this.
“Replacing Victorian-era buildings with this modern, purpose-built facility will mean so much to the patients, carers and staff that we support. The Friends have been an integral part of Barnes Hospital for decades and we look forward to engaging with the new community here as it comes to life.”
Replacing Victorian-era buildings with this modern, purpose-built facility will mean so much to the patients, carers and staff
Co-locating with a SEN school
The school, the London River Academy, will provide 90 places for children with social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs and will be operated by the Beckmead Trust.
Lara Newman, Chief Executive of LocatED, said: “By working closely with our NHS partners and the Beckmead Trust, we're demonstrating how collaborative approaches can transform public services and deliver exceptional facilities for the communities we serve. We're proud to be contributing to the wider regeneration of this historic site, creating a purpose-built environment where children can thrive for generations to come.”
What else is in store?
Barnes’ transformation is part of a major programme of rebuilding mental health facilities across South West London.
This started with the £150m redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth in 2022/23 and will be followed by the opening of the new Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre this summer and the opening of Barnes Hospital in 2027.
The programme will conclude with the £110m redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston, due to be delivered in 2028.
In all, this represents a £280m investment in local mental health services and makes up a key part of Trust’s ‘Anchor’ work. This aims to use NHS resources strategically and deliver investments that support communities to be healthier, happier and greener.