Richmond's Barnes Hospital is set to become a hub for "high-quality" mental health and education services, following a £30 million investment.

Construction officially launched yesterday (Tuesday, 24 June) during a ceremony attended by patients, carers, NHS staff, and councillors.

Richmond Council has welcomed the milestone, which marks the start of a significant redevelopment led by South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, in partnership with LocatED, the Department for Education's property delivery body.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of Richmond's Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, said the development will make a real and lasting difference to the borough.

"This investment will improve facilities that help provide better care and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community," he said.

"Having modern, fit-for-purpose spaces makes a real difference to the quality of care that can be delivered."

Chair of Richmond's Education and Children's Services, Cllr Julia Cambridge, added: "The new school is an important development that will offer tailored educational support for children with social and emotional needs.

An artist impression of the redeveloped hospital (credit: Richmond Council).

"It will provide a nurturing environment where these children can grow, learn, and achieve their full potential."

The project will help meet growing demand for local mental health care and special educational needs provision across the borough.

Part of the Trust's ambitious Better Environments Programme, the redevelopment will bring outpatient mental health services back to Barnes from 2027 and deliver a new specialist school, operated by The Beckmead Trust, offering 90 places for children with social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Chief Executive of South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, Vanessa Ford, commented: "Today marks the next step in our journey to deliver modern, community-facing mental healthcare for the people of Richmond.

"We want to create inclusive new spaces to deliver better environments and better care for our patients, now and in the future.

"Our Better Environments Programme is driving important changes across our estate, and we are excited to see construction begin here at Barnes as we strive to create environments that improve patient experience, reduce mental health stigma, and bring care closer to home."

The Barnes redevelopment sits alongside other major projects in the borough's mental health estate, including the Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre, opening this summer on the site of the former Richmond Royal Hospital, and a planned £110 million redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital by 2028.

Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, said: "We welcome this investment as it will help strengthen mental health services in the borough and make vital support more accessible to those who need it.

"Early access to care can change lives, and this is a positive step in that direction." 

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