Barnsley’s trailblazing ‘Health on the High Street’ hub welcomes first patients at Alhambra
The development, described as the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services, marks a significant shift in how residents access routine healthcare.
Barnsley’s flagship ‘Health on the High Street’ scheme has reached a major milestone after the first patients were welcomed to the new Alhambra health hub this week.
The development, described as the UK’s largest relocation of hospital outpatient services into a non-clinical setting, marks a significant shift in how residents access routine healthcare. The first floor of the Alhambra Shopping Centre has been transformed into a health and wellbeing facility, with Barnsley Hospital beginning the transfer of outpatient appointments to the new town-centre site.
The opening forms part of the next phase of Barnsley’s wider regeneration programme, which local leaders say is attracting national attention.
The initial services to move into the former Wilko unit include ophthalmology, optometry and retinal screening. They will be followed by rheumatology, dermatology and orthotics, with further outpatient departments set to relocate in early 2026. The hub, developed by partners across health and local government, is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
The initiative expands on the success of the NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in the Glass Works, which opened three years ago. The CDC has carried out around 220,000 appointments to date, including blood tests, ultrasounds and X-rays. Health leaders say the facility has helped reduce waiting times and DNAs, with mammogram attendance rising by 22% and appointment no-shows falling by 24%.
According to council figures, the centre has also boosted town-centre footfall by around 50,000 visits a year.
Barnsley Hospital has been working with Barnsley Council to bring multiple services under one roof. Up to 100,000 appointments a year are expected to take place in the Alhambra instead of at the hospital site, which the trust says will relieve pressure on space and ease parking demand.
The health hub has been made possible through Barnsley Council’s purchase of the Alhambra, supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, with the aim of creating a mixed-use destination combining retail, leisure and health services. Officials say the centre will improve access to care while supporting the town-centre economy, with projections suggesting an additional 150,000 visitors a year and at least £1.5m in extra local spending.
Dr Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of Barnsley Hospital, said the move reflected feedback from patients and staff.
“We’ve been listening to what our patients, their families and our colleagues tell us and it’s clear that there is a real appetite for bringing more health services to a town centre location which is easy, convenient, modern and linked with other services and facilities.
“This means we can build on the success of the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), which has been incredibly well received by the people of Barnsley. Expanding the range of health and wellbeing services in the heart of our town centre, alongside the CDC, is going to deliver even more efficient and effective services, hugely enhancing people’s experiences and ultimately improving the lives of residents.”
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, described the development as “trailblazing”.
“I’m excited to see the first of Barnsley Hospital services moving into the Alhambra space, making it easier for people to get vital health checks, and I can’t wait for the space to continue growing its offer over the next few years.
“People understandably prefer coming into town to have their scan, where they can go on to enjoy a coffee and a bit of shopping in our fantastic town centre, over having to attend a traditional hospital setting.”