The former Terry’s Chocolate factory in York has been transformed into a spectacular Chocolate Works Care Village with the help of Johnstone’s Trade’s high performance products.
Opening earlier this year, the £7 million renovation was part of a wider multi-million pound expansion programme by Springfield Healthcare to establish five new care villages and a care centre for working age adults. Previously the former home of world-renowned Terry’s Chocolate factory, the vast double height glazed atrium has been preserved and transformed into a unique ‘marketplace’ setting for the residents and visitors, complete with café, restaurant, spa, hairdresser, gym and even its own pub, The Duke of York.
The landmark building is Grade II listed and, after a number of years lying unused and unloved, was brought back to life through the extraordinary vision of Springfield Healthcare CEO Graeme Lee and his extensive team of architects (Norr), builders (Simpsons of York) and restoration specialists. The building now provides 82 individually designed care suites and eight outstanding apartments that staff and visitors can utilise and enjoy.
Ensuring the interior design equalled the grandeur of the building was essential, as was creating a durable finish that wouldn’t fade over time and could withstand wear and tear from the high footfall in the Care Village. Johnstone’s Trade worked closely with decorating firm HEC Ltd. to provide a range of high performance coatings products that met the high-quality specification on the project.
Johnstone’s Trade’s Covaplus Vinyl Matt and Acrylic Durable Matt were used on the walls and ceilings of the interior building to provide a durable finish, making it ideal for high traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, hotels, hospitals and public buildings. In addition, Johnstone’s Aqua Water Based Undercoat and Gloss were used for the trim and window frames to provide a high sheen finish and traditional gloss look that will stay whiter for longer, reducing the need for future maintenance.
Commenting on the project, Gareth Jones at Johnstone’s Trade, said: “We’re very proud to have been part of such an amazing project that will inspire and help the future of the elderly, particularly those with dementia.
“The renovation will provide a social meeting space through the innovative “Friends of the Chocolate Works” volunteer scheme – which encourages local residents to visit and share the facilities while improving the quality of life for the residents in an environment that promotes self-esteem.”
Springfield Healthcare’s programme aims to set a new benchmark for how care environments are designed and built, with the Chocolate Works Care Village being awarded Refurbishment Project of the Year in the 2017 Healthcare Estates Awards with the help of Johnstone’s Trade.
