Photo Credit: Kirklees Council

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Knowl Park House sets a new benchmark for dementia care, earning national recognition for inclusive design

A brand-new, state-of-the-art day care facility for adults living with dementia has officially opened its doors in Mirfield.

The gold standard centre, based at Knowl Park House, represents a major investment by Kirklees Council in high-quality dementia services for local residents.

A Celebratory Opening Ceremony

The official opening took place on Tuesday 14 May, with the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Nosheen Dad, unveiling a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

The event welcomed dignitaries from the council and key partners from the health and social care sector across Kirklees.

Also in attendance were staff, families, and service users already benefitting from the new facility, who had the chance to explore the centre and see first-hand how its specialist design enhances comfort and independence.

National Recognition from Dementia Services Development Centre

A highlight of the day was the presentation of a gold standard, dementia design award to Kirklees Council by the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC).

This award recognises the implementation of world-leading dementia-friendly design principles throughout the new facility.

Knowl Park House is now one of only a select few social care services across the UK to receive this prestigious accreditation.

A Centre Built on Research and Best Practice

The DSDC has an internationally respected reputation for advancing best practice in environments for people living with dementia. Throughout the development of Knowl Park House, the council worked closely with the DSDC to ensure the new facility was inclusive, empowering, and welcoming for all users.

Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “I am incredibly pleased that we have officially opened Knowl Park House today.

“This is a key investment in providing a high-quality dementia day service for those people who need it the most.

“We have made use of some of the highest standards in design principles to enable service users to be as independent as possible whilst they are here.

“Each of the zones in the day care centre provide a warm, friendly, and inviting ambience, and we have worked hard to ensure the University of Stirling’s dementia design principles were adhered to at every stage of the project.

“I offer huge congratulations to our teams on achieving gold standard accreditation.

“Knowl Park House will serve as our flagship dementia day service, providing respite for carers whilst their loved ones enjoy the amazing spaces in the building.

“We set out to build a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that would enable people living with dementia to live well for longer, in their own homes or with their families, and we have done exactly that.”

Designing for a Better Future

Professor Lesley Palmer, Professor of Ageing and Dementia Design at the DSDC, praised the council’s commitment to inclusive design: “Designing for an ageing population, and people living with a diagnosis of a dementia, has never been more important.

“Incorporating simple, evidence-based, design recommendations can allow individuals living with a diagnosis of dementia to be more independent and can reduce some of the symptoms of a dementia.

“Kirklees Council recognised the significance of our dementia design principles to support their centre users, and they have championed their integration into this wonderful centre, since its inception.

“The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) is delighted to have worked with Kirklees Council and their design team on this project, and we recognise the value this new centre brings to the residents of Kirklees for years to come.”

Accessing Support at Knowl Park House

Anyone interested in accessing support from Knowl Park House can get in touch with Kirklees Council’s Community Health and Social Care Hub by calling 0300 304 5555 for a referral.