Westfield Health secure planning permission for Sheffield headquarter relocation

Westfield Health’s continued business growth will not lose momentum as significant work on a prominent Sheffield city centre building is set to begin.

Founded in 1919, the not for profit organisation has secured planning permission from Sheffield City Council to revamp the main entrance to the Charter Row-based Milton House.

The aim is to create 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

Furthermore, 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.

The company initially applied for planning consent early last month, which followed the purchase of the new headquarters last year.

Work is expected to start this summer, and be completed 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, 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.”

Julie added: “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.”

Richard Wright, executive director of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, also commented: “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 has acquired a professional team of advisors to assist with the development and implementation of the renovation plans. They include Lambert Smith Hampton, Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, Shearstone Mechanical, Eastwood & Partners, Barraclough, English and Wright, Temple Safety and Approved Inspector Services.

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