Ada Belfield Care Home in Belper has been sold to experienced care home operator Welford Healthcare, following a competitive marketing campaign by business and commercial property agent Ernest Wilson, part of BTG Eddisons.
Ernest Wilson was instructed by Derbyshire County Council in December last year to market the 40-bed purpose-built care home, with prospective operators required to demonstrate a proven track record of running care homes rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The marketing campaign attracted seven strong bids from major UK care home operators, with Welford Healthcare selected as the successful operator.
The transaction involved the transfer of the care home as a going concern and the granting of a new 25-year lease for the facility.
Welford Healthcare operates 48 care services across England, providing care and support to more than 2,000 vulnerable adults. The company specialises in acquiring existing operational care homes and investing in their facilities and performance, with a focus on maintaining and improving care quality.
The Ada Belfield Centre occupies a 1.4-acre site in Belper town centre and was originally the home of the famous Thorntons Chocolate factory before being acquired by Derbyshire County Council. It was converted into a care home, public library and café, retaining its Grade II-listed frontage. The library, which forms part of the building, will continue to operate under its existing arrangement with Derbyshire County Council.
Ernest Wilson director Mark Czajka said: “The Ada Belfield Centre attracted strong interest from experienced care operators, reflecting the state-of-the-art quality of the facility and its location in the heart of Belper.
“We’re pleased to have secured a successful outcome for Derbyshire County Council and to have helped identify an experienced operator with the expertise to take the care home forward.
“The completion of the transaction means the home has a secure future under Welford Healthcare, providing continuity for residents and staff while giving the new operator the opportunity to build on the strengths of an already well-established facility.”