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26
Oct
Work finally begins on major £20 million scheme at historic Harrogate mansion
Work has finally begun on a £20 million scheme to transform Grove House, the former home of Victorian inventor and philanthropist Samson Fox, into a new care complex.
Springfield Healthcare has broken ground on the project, four years after the Stray Ferret first reported plans to redevelop the grade two-listed building on Skipton Road in Harrogate.
Planning permission was granted in December 2023, paving the way for the development, which will include a 76-bed care home, eight townhouses and the restoration of Grove House itself to create luxury care suites.
The care home and townhouses will be built first, with work to convert Grove House into luxury care suites taking place afterwards.
Springfield Healthcare said the development was expected to cost £20 million, up from an initial estimate of £15 million. The scheme is also expected to create 200 jobs across care, hospitality, catering, management and support services.
Built in 1745, Grove House has a rich history. It was once the home of Samson Fox, a prominent Victorian inventor, philanthropist and former mayor of Harrogate.
During the First World War, the building served as a hospital before later becoming the headquarters of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.
(from left) Tim Jackson, Graeme Lee, Paul Phillips, Jenny Delic, Craig and Anne, of Bowman Riley Architects and Jay, project manager.
Graeme Lee, founder of Springfield Healthcare, said breaking ground marked “a hugely significant moment for Springfield Healthcare and for Harrogate”.
He said:
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, chief executive of Springfield Healthcare, described the development as a “major investment in Harrogate”.
He 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.”
Springfield Healthcare sold six of its Yorkshire care homes to American Healthcare REIT in October 2024 but retained control of the Grove House project.
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