We’re delighted to announce that we have achieved planning consent in Richmond, south-west London, for the first site of a pioneering new property-backed business focused on post-operative rehabilitation & recovery.

The new platform, Renaiss Health, will develop, build and operate a chain of private short-stay residential health centres focused on the post-operative care market.

The first site will be in Richmond, south-west London, where  the former Richmond Inn Hotel – which has been closed since March 2020 – will be redeveloped into a state-of-the-art centre. The existing ‘building of townscape merit’ on Sheen Road is being retained and significantly improved – including the construction of a new extension wing to the rear, with dedicated physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy suites. This will enable the centre to deliver a range of tailored programmes to support those recovering from orthopaedic surgery and traumas, using the latest thinking and technologies.

There are currently around c. 200,000 orthopaedic joint replacements annually – but some 20% of patients end up dissatisfied with their post-operative recovery, while one in three of these patients is unable to return to their former level of independence after a fall or surgery. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), intensive rehabilitation can significantly improve patient outcomes: its guidelines state that “intensive rehabilitation would reduce primary care visits, outpatient visits, hospital admissions [and] A&E attendances”.

Simon Ringer, Head of Bridges Property Funds, said:
“Bridges has long been a pioneer in investing in property-backed businesses that are addressing clear societal needs. With the launch of Renaiss Health, we are once again proving ourselves to be an early mover – this time in the important and rapidly-growing area of post-operative rehabilitation & recovery care, which is currently not widely available. We’re delighted to secure this first site in Richmond, and are actively seeking other suitable sites in and around London.”

Jennifer Martin, CEO of Renaiss Health said:
“We are excited to be introducing Renaiss Health and look forward to making a real difference to people’s lives. These will be state-of-the-art facilities, with the latest technology and equipment to provide sustainable physical rehabilitation programmes as well as the highest standards of clinical and expert care. At the same time careful consideration will be given to complementary areas including nutrition and holistic wellbeing. There will be purpose-built physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and occupational therapy suites, plus high-quality accommodation, beautifully appointed facilities and the very best of hospitality.”

She adds:
“We are particularly pleased to be opening our first centre in Richmond – a fantastic location and an area where our service can make a tangible impact. We know that Richmond’s rate of hospital admissions because of falls has increased – so our centre and service will provide an important link in the borough’s health provision, giving people the ability to access treatment and care to improve their independence, mobility and confidence.”

The building will be targeting BREEAM Excellent and will also undertake the WELL certification programme, which seeks to deliver buildings and facilities that are beneficial for health and well-being both during the design & construction stage, and when the building is operational. Construction is due to commence shortly, with opening planned for early 2025.

Renaiss Health, with support from Bridges, is actively seeking other properties in and around London.