Barnes Hospital and London River Academy

The Barnes Hospital redevelopment in South West London is a landmark project that brings together health and education on a co-located site. Delivered in partnership between South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and LocatED (an arms-length body of the Department for Education), the project will create a modern community mental health facility and a new special educational needs (SEN) school on the historic Barnes Hospital site.

Procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), works start in Summer 2025 with both facilities due to open in 2027.

A New NHS Health Facility

The new health clinic will provide services that were previously delivered on-site at Barnes Hospital and temporarily relocated to Livingston House in Teddington in 2023. From 2027, the Trust’s expanded community mental health services will operate across both sites, improving accessibility and continuity of care.

A New SEN School

The London River Academy will be a new, purpose-built special school for up to 90 pupils aged 7–19, all of whom have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The school will be operated by the Beckmead Trust whom operate a number of specialist schools in London and the south east.

Developed in close collaboration with patients, NHS staff, carers and the local community, the projects reflect a shared vision for inclusive, high-quality care and education. The landmark redevelopment is a significant investment in the health, education and wellbeing of the Richmond community – creating modern, inclusive environments where people can thrive.

The scheme is part of the Trust’s Better Environments Programme (https://swlstg.nhs.uk/better-environments) a long-term plan to improve mental health care by investing in inclusive, high-quality buildings designed around the needs of service users, staff, and local people.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of our Willmott Dixon Construction South, commented:

"We are excited to have been chosen to deliver this vital project, procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), that will deliver modern centres of excellence for mental health and education. This will see sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality spaces created that will help shape a healthier future for people living in Barnes. We also recognise the historic importance of this site, and our work will be carried out with utmost care and consideration for the local community.”

The project further adds to Willmott Dixon extensive health and SEND school experience, building on projects such as Chiswick Health Centre, Prime Sterile Services, and Paddock SEND.

Link to Barnes Ground Breaking video – Barnes Groundbreaking Ceremony