Pinder Healthcare Design Awards 2015:

The prestigious awards, now in their 15th year, acknowledge the contribution made by designers, architects and owners of care homes to the well-being and quality of life for those in their care.

Completed in 2013, the William Wilberforce is a purpose-built care facility of the highest standard which was designed and built in collaboration with award-winning architects Brierley Groom to meet every possible requirement of its residents.

The William Wilberforce is historically inspired and set in the former grounds of Pocklington School, once attended by the great champion of slave emancipation William Wilberforce. Traditional Yorkshire bricks, original street lamps and a red telephone box have added to the character of the exterior in a design that mixes modern, Victorian and traditional style. Plush furniture and stylish interiors were devised and introduced to emphasise calm and peace,evoking the classy appearance and elegant calm of a highly-starred hotel.

Bernard Kennedy, Director commented, “We are most flattered to have been recognised by the Pinder Judges. The culmination of years of experience and collaborative work with skilled and innovative architects has resulted in a facility which provides affordable luxury living for our residents. The greatest compliment we receive is that our residents say that they do not feel they are living in a care home”

Director of Care and Home Manager Meg said: “We regularly find that when people walk through the door they can’t quite believe it’s a care home, they compliment us for being like an elegant hotel.

A panel of independent judges visited the home to present the Director of Care, Meg Kennedy, with a finalist award and a £500 cheque for a nominated charity.

The charity chosen by The William Wilberforce is Educaid which provides free eductaion to orphaned and vulnerable children in Sierra Leone. Freetown in Sierra Leone was the first settlement of slaves freed by the work of William Wilberforce.

The winner of the Pinder Award will be announced at an event at the Lancaster Gate Hotel in London on the 25th March 2015.

Mark Ellis, Director and Chairman of the Judging Panel at Pinders said: “Good care home design should always start with the needs of its intended occupants and the residents of Waverley Grange clearly enjoy a person-centred environment. The architects have skilfully balanced the provision of extensive resources and spacious living areas, with the desire for a building which remains domestic and intimate in scale.”

“Externally, the architectural styling blends in well with the neighbouring properties, whilst natural light floods the internal spaces which offer good choice for both activity and tranquillity”.

“Sustainability is increasingly important in building design”

thewilliamwilberforce.co.uk/