Barnes Hospital is set to become a hub for high-quality mental health and education services, thanks to a major £30 million investment, with construction officially launched today at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by patients, carers, NHS staff, and local 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 and provide better care and support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Having modern, fit-for-purpose spaces makes a real difference to the quality of care that can be delivered.

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

The redevelopment will bring outpatient mental health services 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. 

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.