Work Begins On Belper’s New Care Centre And Library

Work to build a replacement care centre and library in Belper gets underway this week.

Contractors Robertson, one of the largest independently owned construction, infrastructure and support services companies in the UK, will break the ground on site at Derwent Street on Monday 21 May 2018.

The 40-bed care home on the former Thorntons factory site will replace Ada Belfield Home for Older People in Field Lane which no longer meets modern standards.

All the current residents of Ada Belfield will be offered a home in the state-of-the-art development which is expected to cost around £9.8m.

Councillor Jean Wharmby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “I am delighted that work is starting on this new development as part of our commitment to provide high quality care homes to ensure older people get the care and support they need.

“The standard of care our staff offered at Ada Belfield was never in doubt but the building simply doesn’t meet the modern standards that we have come to expect and our residents deserve.

“This new building will be a wonderful addition to the town while retaining the much-loved history of the original site. “It is also fitting that work on site is due to start during national Dementia Action Week – as our new development has been designed to the latest dementia-friendly standards.”

As the site sits within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, the building has been designed to reflect this.

The factory’s Derwent Street facade is being retained along with the oldest factory where the brand new library will be housed with the design showcasing the original architecture.

It will replace the current library in Bridge Street, allowing easier access with a pedestrian link from the new development to town centre shops.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism Councillor Barry Lewis said:

“We are fully committed to our libraries and know how important they are to our local communities.

“We’re working hard to secure the future of the service across Derbyshire and the new library in Belper highlights our commitment.

“The new library will be a modern, easily accessible building offering the latest technology as well as all the services people expect to see in their library, and it will be a huge asset to the local community and surrounding areas.”

Paul Turner, Managing Director of Robertson Yorkshire & East Midlands, said:

“The project is an important one to Belper and the wider community and one that the team is excited to start work on.

“The new building will provide great services to local residents and Robertson is confident of developing this scheme to the highest standards.”

It’s hoped the new development will be open by summer 2019.

Image: Robertson Derwent St. Development