Locala has bought the site from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) and intends retaining health services there as well as developing the site in partnership with the local community. Whilst many of the plans for Princess Royal are still in the very early stages Locala confirms that the Children’s Therapy Services currently delivered there by CHFT will continue, as will the Dental, Sexual Health, Diabetes, TB nursing and Podiatry services currently provided by Locala.
Locala’s Executive Director of Finance, Sharon Lowrie, said: ”We are delighted to have bought Princess Royal and thereby secure its future. Locala provides several services from Princess Royal already and for some time we have been able to see the potential for a fantastic healthcare development right at the heart of the local community.
“As a not-for-profit social enterprise, Locala has a duty to benefit the local community we serve. Our plans to develop Princess Royal in partnership with the local community is one way for us to do just that. In addition the purchase of Princess Royal is an investment in the long-term security of Locala’s services; provides a great platform for Locala to create something unique on the site and continues the site’s historic healthcare use.
“After some initial renovation work on buildings, and development of a new wayfinding system and signage, we will be likely to transfer more services onto the site in coming months to join those already there.
Princess Royal was built in 1928 as a Municipal Maternity Home with the last baby being born there in 1984 and after which it was converted to provide community healthcare. Because of its original use it’s held in great affection by many local people.
New owner means a new lease of life for Princess Royal
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