Chamber of Commerce supports Westfield Health’s Sheffield headquarters relocation

The city’s Chamber of Commerce has voiced its support for a Sheffield company’s plans to relocate its new headquarters into a prominent city centre building.

Founded in 1919, leading health insurer Westfield Health is set to move operations to Milton House on Charter Row after purchasing the premises.

As part of the not-for-profit organisation’s continued business growth, the company has applied to Sheffield City Council for planning permission to restructure the main entrance to Milton House, create a new reception area for the main building, a reception for Westfield Health on the fifth floor and a new customer service function for Westfield Health policyholders.

in addition, plans to build an outdoor roof terrace, a new office atrium connecting Westfield’s occupied areas internally and alterations to the external façade including the removal of an old public staircase, which provided access over Charter Row, are also included.

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber, said: “Sheffield is fortunate to have Westfield Health headquartered here because they make a massive contribution to our city and carry its name proudly far and wide.

“Their continued commitment through this investment is a real boost and I, for one, am very grateful and delighted.

“Healthcare is an important issue now, and will be in the future, and Sheffield is at the vanguard of developing new ways and techniques for coping with an ever increasing demand. Westfield are big supporters of that and an exemplar in their own right.”

Since 1973, Westfield Health has been located at Westfield House on Division Street. The company’s staff will now occupy the majority of Milton House, with space remaining for existing and new tenants.

Julie Gill, executive director of operations at Westfield Health, said: “Sheffield has been our home for almost 100 years, and our roots are firmly embedded here. Our move to Milton House reinforces our commitment to Sheffield, keeping our headquarters accessible for our customers and playing an integral part in the regeneration of the city centre.”

Once plans have been approved, the extensive refurbishment of Milton House will continue until spring/early summer 2016.