The Archbishop of York opens the Chocolate Works Care Village

The Archbishop of York paid a special visit to the Chocolate Works Care Village earlier this month. Dr John Sentamu was the guest of honour who performed the official opening ceremony of the newly restored Grade II listed building, which once housed the headquarters of Terry’s of York. The £10 million restoration was the brainchild of Graeme Lee, chief executive of Springfield Group.

During the visit, the Archbishop and his wife met residents and their families, as well as those working for Springfield Healthcare.

Graeme Lee, Group CEO said “Today was simply a marvellous day, to be able to welcome The Archbishop of York here to this iconic York building and to share our vision for the future of elderly care in our communities was inspiring and humbling.
“We are so grateful to him and to Mrs Sentamu and hope that they will visit us many more times in the future”.

Chocolate Works will be the new home for more than 100 local citizens. There are 82 care suites and 8 luxury care apartments in the Chocolate Works. More than 120 jobs will be created by the care village and the aim is to provide training on site wherever possible. A plaque inscribed with the words “May those who reside here do so with dignity and grace” was unveiled by the Archbishop after a blessing of the building.

Dr Sentamu added: “The health of any society is measured by how we care for our most vulnerable people. What I have seen here demonstrates that our society has the potential for the wellbeing and flourishing of all older people. This care home is a beacon of hope for all those who are getting older and a re-assurance for their families.”