Springfield Healthcare breaks ground on £20m care village at historic Grove House in Harrogate

A care group which has been supporting its local communities for almost 60 years will create 200 jobs and transform a landmark site into a new care village combining luxury care, independent living and heritage restoration. 

Harrogate-based, Springfield Healthcare has officially broken ground on a landmark £20m development at Grove House in Harrogate, marking the start of an ambitious project.  

The established care provider is set to transform the historic Skipton Road site into a distinctive community with close intergenerational links.

The site will comprise a state-of-the-art care home, eight eco-friendly town houses and the sensitive restoration of Grove House itself into luxury care suites.

The development will include three key elements. The first will be a purpose-built, 76-bed facility designed to provide high-quality care for older people in modern surroundings.

Alongside this, Springfield Healthcare will develop eight town houses through its Grove House scheme, offering older people the opportunity to enjoy independent living within a dedicated community. 

The energy-efficient two-bedroom homes have been designed with sustainability in mind and will benefit from low running costs, private gardens and dedicated parking.

The next phase will focus on Grove House itself, the historic property at the heart of the estate, which will be transformed into a variety of luxury care suites designed for those who value independent living and an active lifestyle.  

Residents of both the houses and care suites will also benefit from the reassurance of a clear continuum of care within the same community, enabling them to remain in familiar surroundings and maintain established social connections should their care needs evolve over time.

Collectively, the development represents a significant investment in Harrogate, with an estimated £20m being invested and about 200 jobs expected to be created across the site. These will include opportunities across care, hospitality, catering, management and other support functions.

Built in 1745, Grove House is steeped in Harrogate’s history. The property was once the home of Samson Fox, the Victorian inventor, philanthropist and former mayor widely associated with the town’s development. It later served as a hospital during the First World War before becoming the headquarters of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.

Springfield Healthcare’s plans will give the landmark site a new purpose, while preserving its historic significance and creating a place where older people can access different levels of care and support within one setting.

Graeme Lee, Founder of Springfield Healthcare, said, “Breaking ground at Grove House marks a hugely significant moment for Springfield Healthcare and for Harrogate. This is a project that reflects our long-term vision for care. We are committed to creating outstanding places where older people can live well, feel part of their community and receive the right support as their needs change.

“I am incredibly proud that we are able to re-establish Grove House and its spectacular surroundings as a place with a meaningful future at the heart of the community. It is a site with a remarkable history, and we have a real opportunity to respect that heritage while creating something truly special for future generations.

Paul Philips, CEO of Springfield Healthcare added, “We want Grove House to be somewhere people are proud to live, families feel confident in the care their loved ones receive, and the wider community can feel connected to.

“This is also a major investment in Harrogate, creating around 200 jobs and bringing new opportunities for people who want to build a career in care, hospitality and the wider care sector. We are excited to see the vision begin to take shape.”

The development builds on Springfield Healthcare’s commitment to providing high-quality care in inspiring surroundings and within the heart of communities. 

In October 2024, Springfield Healthcare sold six Yorkshire care villages to American Healthcare REIT following a 12-year partnership with BGF.