Plans Unveiled to Replace Hermes House with Rehab Centre

A well-known building in Tunbridge Wells, England, may soon make way for a new rehabilitation and recovery centre. The plans, proposed by Renaiss Health, involve demolishing Hermes House located on St John’s Road to construct a facility designed for short-stay physical rehabilitation and recovery care. This initiative aims to support patients post-surgery, allowing hospitals to free up bed space.

The proposed centre would feature 55 bedrooms, with an estimated capacity to treat approximately 2,050 patients annually. Each patient is expected to stay for about a week, receiving care from physiotherapists, nurses, and an in-house doctor available around the clock. Renaiss Health has indicated that it plans to submit its formal application for the project later this year.

Details of the Proposed Facility

The rehabilitation centre aims to help patients regain strength and mobility following surgery, thereby bridging the transition from hospital discharge to home life. The facility would include 34 parking spaces, a hydrotherapy pool, a gym, a restaurant, and lounge areas for patient recovery and relaxation.

According to Renaiss Health, the project is not only focused on patient care but also promises to create 88 job opportunities in the local community. The company stresses that the new centre would provide an alternative to traditional hospital care, ultimately benefiting the National Health Service (NHS) by alleviating pressure on hospital resources.

Historical Context and Local Engagement

Historically, Hermes House served as the headquarters for Logistics UK since its opening in 1975. The building was previously a Christian Science Church, designed by architect Cecil Burns in 1931. After ceasing its religious functions in the 1950s, it was repurposed for office use. Logistics UK vacated the premises in the summer of 2023, describing the building as “awkward and inefficient” for modern needs.

The local Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society previously sought to designate Hermes House as a building of special architectural or historic interest, but their application was rejected. They expressed disappointment over the lack of protection for the historic structure, which is located adjacent to the busy A26.

Renaiss Health has been proactive in engaging with local stakeholders, including representatives from the nearby Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School. The company clarified that their current application is entirely separate from a previously approved residential development plan for the site, which was secured by Logistics UK in 2022.

As Renaiss Health prepares to move forward with its plans, the local community remains attentive to these developments. The company is also working on its first site in Richmond and appointed a contractor for that project in September 2023.

In summary, the proposed rehabilitation centre represents a significant shift for the site of Hermes House, promising to enhance patient care options while revitalizing the area following the departure of Logistics UK.