A CARE home on the site of the former Terry’s headquarters has been officially opened by The Archbishop of York.

The £10 million restoration of the iconic site was the brainchild of Springfield Group CEO Graeme Lee whose vision of a care village for the citizens of York and the surrounding area has become a reality.

The Chocolate Works Care Village, on Bishopthorpe Road, aims to set new standards for elderly care in the heart of the community for more than 100 local residents in the 82 care suites and eight luxury care apartments.

A vast central glazed atrium has been preserved and transformed into a unique ‘marketplace’ setting for the residents and visitors, complete with café, restaurant, spa, hairdresser, gym and even its own pub, The Duke of York.

A large roof terrace allows residents to enjoy uninterrupted views across York towards the Minster, adjoining racecourse and across the rest of the chocolate works site, which is made up of new homes.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “The health of any society is measured by how we care for our most vulnerable people.

“What I have seen here demonstrates that our society has the potential for the wellbeing and flourishing of all older people.

“This care home is a beacon of hope for all those who are getting older and a reassurance for their families.”

The Chocolate Works Care village provides a specific focus on those with dementia. It will provide a setting open to the community through the “Friends of the Chocolate Works” volunteer project encouraging local residents to visit and share the facilities to promote self esteem.

The Care Village will be providing around 120 new jobs and a range of apprenticeship programmes.

Graeme Lee, chief executive officer at Springfield Group, said: “Today was simply a marvellous day, to be able to welcome the Archbishop of York here to this iconic York building and to share our vision for the future of elderly care in our communities was inspiring and humbling.”