Westfield Health gets go-ahead for major property move

18th May 2015

The go-ahead has been given for Westfield Health to breathe new life into a prominent Sheffield city centre building as part of its continued business growth, it was announced today.

The not for profit organisation has successfully applied to Sheffield City Council for planning permission to reconfigure the main entrance to the Charter Row-based Milton House, creating a new reception area for the main building, a reception for Westfield Health on the fifth floor and a new customer service call in facility for policyholders. Also, the plans include an outdoor roof terrace, a new office atrium connecting Westfield's occupied areas internally and alterations to the external façade including the removal of an old public staircase which provided access over Charter Row. With its centenary approaching, the go-ahead to develop its new headquarters and move from its current headquarters in Division Street represents the advent for an exciting new era. Work is expected to start in the Summer, with completion due in the summer of 2016 with the 200 plus staff expected to switch to Milton House shortly after. Julie Gill, Executive Director Operations at Westfield Health, who is overseeing the project, said: -We are delighted to receive permission that we can start the development phase of Milton House. It brings us a significant step closer to the eventual relocation of Westfield Health to our new headquarters building. -This is an exciting time for Westfield Health, our team and our customers, both here in the city and across the United Kingdom, as we continue to grow as an organisation now serving more than 415,000 policyholders across the UK the highest number in our history. Planning go-ahead is a further boost for the emerging, new look Sheffield City Centre. The development is close to other significant schemes, in and near to the heart of the city, which have been given the green light. Julie Gill said: -Sheffield has been our home for almost 100 years, and our roots are firmly embedded here. Our move to Milton House reinforces our commitment to Sheffield, keeping our headquarters accessible for our customers and playing an integral part in the regeneration of the city centre. Recently Richard Wright, Executive Director of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Westfield Health's plans for Milton House. He said: -Sheffield is fortunate to have Westfield Health headquartered here because they make a massive contribution to our city and carry its name proudly far and wide. -Its continued commitment through this investment is a real boost and I, for one, am very grateful and delighted. -Healthcare is an important issue now, and will be in the future, and Sheffield is at the vanguard of developing new ways and techniques for coping with an ever increasing demand. Westfield is a big supporters of that and an exemplar in its own right. Westfield Health's decision to relocate to Milton House on Charter Row came after purchasing the premises last year. It was advised throughout the purchase of Milton House by a team at solicitors Wake Smith LLP and property professionals Mark Jenkinson and Son. The sale was completed by commercial property agents Knight Frank. Westfield Health has been based at Westfield House on Division Street since 1973. Now, its staff will occupy the majority of Milton House, with space remaining for existing and new tenants. Employees have been involved in the planning stages for the new building, with 'Move Champions' appointed across the company. Westfield Health has engaged a professional team of advisors to assist with the development and implementation of their exciting plans. They include Lambert Smith Hampton, Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, Shearstone Mechanical, Eastwood & Partners, Barraclough, English and Wright, Temple Safety and Approved Inspector Services. For more information about Westfield Health's harder working health cover, visit www.westfieldhealth.com