The state-of-the-art facility, located on Derby Road, opened its doors to patients in August, consolidating outpatient and community health services previously housed at the former Babington Hospital. Construction began in 2024, with the centre designed by Race Cottam Associates and built by Henry Brothers Construction.
The purpose-built centre features consulting and treatment rooms, a health education space, and enhanced facilities for physiotherapy, podiatry, community nursing, speech and language therapy, wound care, and phlebotomy. The name 'Babington Health Centre' was chosen by local residents through a public vote, receiving nearly 69 per cent of the 1,734 votes cast.
“"It was a great pleasure to join everyone in celebrating the opening of Babington Health Centre and to see this important investment in healthcare for the people of Belper and its surrounding communities come to fruition. The centre provides a modern and welcoming environment for patients and the staff who care for them, while also reflecting the importance of this community’s history and the strong connection people have with healthcare in Belper. It is wonderful to see the vision for improved local health services become a reality and I wish everyone who works here every success for the future."
Jim Austin, chief executive of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the centre as a significant investment in community healthcare. He noted the collaborative effort involved and the building's thoughtful design, which respects the site's heritage while incorporating modern facilities for services ranging from audiology to wound care. Public engagement was key, with votes held for the internal colour scheme and the centre's name.
Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers, described the project as rewarding, creating a purpose-built facility for long-term community use. He emphasised the collaborative process with the NHS Trust and Race Cottam Associates, working within a historically significant setting. The completed centre is seen as a valuable addition, enhancing the environment for patients and healthcare professionals.
This development is part of a wider programme to transform healthcare facilities in Belper, initiated with local engagement in 2018. Revised plans, incorporating local planning and heritage considerations, received planning permission in 2023. The new centre incorporates sustainability features like solar panels and energy-efficient systems. It replaces the former Babington Hospital, a historic building that originally served as a workhouse and has now been decommissioned.
