Wetherby Care &
Retirement Village

Wetherby Care & Retirement Village is a mixed later-life development combining care accommodation and independent retirement housing. The scheme adopts a village-style approach, bringing together shared amenities, generous landscape and calm internal environments within a cohesive setting.

Care environments are increasingly required to support complex emotional, cognitive and end-of-life needs. Wetherby was conceived in response to this evolving reality, with an ambition to move beyond conventional care models and create an environment that actively supports both care delivery and emotional wellbeing.

The project brings together multiple forms of later-life accommodation, enabling residents to remain within a familiar setting as needs change over time.

"Decisions around layout, daylight and materiality are informed by how environments are experienced emotionally and sensorially by the people living and working within them."

Layouts are designed to be clear and legible, with intuitive routes, visual cues and calm transitions between spaces. This helps to reduce anxiety and support confidence for residents, visitors and staff.

By prioritising calm, legible and supportive environments, the design seeks to reduce distress, support emotional regulation and create conditions for compassionate, sustainable care.

The care element provides 84 care beds, including nine dual-occupancy rooms, supporting up to 93 residents. This flexibility enables couples to remain together. A ground-floor chef-operated display kitchen forms a central social focus, reinforcing the role of food and choice.

Restorative Space for Staff

Recognising the emotional labour inherent in care work, the project includes a dedicated staff suite and rooftop terrace. Located at the top of the building, the suite benefits from natural daylight and expansive views.

This space acknowledges staff wellbeing as essential infrastructure for sustainable care delivery, rather than an optional or secondary consideration.

Access to daylight, views of nature and outdoor space is integral to the architectural strategy. Communal spaces are designed to open directly onto gardens, allowing natural light deep into the plan.

These biophilic principles support emotional regulation — particularly for those living with cognitive impairment or approaching the end of life.

Wellbeing Designs is acting as Building Safety Act Principal Designer for the scheme, supporting the coordination of safety, compliance and risk management alongside design development.