The Historic Napper Centre Re-opens Following £1 Million Restoration Project

Published on: 5 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 5 Sep, 2026

Sir Jeremy Hunt performs the opening ceremony

The Napper Centre in Cranleigh – recognised as the UK’s first cottage hospital – was reopened yesterday (September 4) by Jeremy Hunt MP following a £1 million restoration.

The Grade II listed building has been transformed into a vibrant community hub for wellbeing, learning and heritage, securing the future of one of Surrey’s most significant historic buildings. The restoration project was supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dating back to 1446, the building was constructed using locally sourced oak felled by hand and is a good example of medieval timber framed architecture. Its story spans more than five centuries, from serving as part of the local vicarage in the 18th century to becoming a pioneering centre of healthcare in the 19th Century.

In 1859, Dr Albert Napper established the UK’s first cottage hospital in the building, proving free treatment for local people regardless of their financial circumstances.

His revolutionary model of small, community-based healthcare inspired a nationwide movement that went global and helped lay the foundations for the NHS. During the Second World War the building was requisitioned for military use before becoming part of the newly formed NHS in 1948.

A new era begins for the Napper Centre

By 2007, the building had fallen into disrepair and its heritage was at risk of being lost. Six years ago, local volunteers came together to save the 15th century cottage. They established the Cranleigh Heritage Trust charity and embarked on a campaign to restore the building and return it to community use.

Following the restoration, visitors can now enjoy improved access throughout the building, a new entrance area and a flexible exhibition and events space that will host heritage displays, talks, meetings and learning activities.

Outside, the front garden has been restored and will be replanted with medicinal herbs and plants that would have been familiar to visitors in the 19th century.

Alongside the physical restoration, the project has created a digital archive capturing local memories and stories connected to the cottage hospital, helping to preserve an important part of Cranleigh’s history. Health and wellbeing services will also return to rooms on the first floor, reconnecting the building with its original purpose.

As part of Heritage Open Days fortnight the Napper Centre will be open to the public next Saturday and Sunday (September 12 and 13) from 10am.

Pupils from Park Mead Primary School helped to create a timeline, starting with the first building in 1170.

Trevor Dale, Chair of Cranleigh Heritage Trust, said: “The centre is dedicated to Dr Napper, the first doctor at the hospital. He believed passionately that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances. His vision was simple but revolutionary.

“As volunteers, we were determined that his legacy and the story of the UK’s first Cottage Hospital should not be lost. Reopening this building is a milestone moment for our community. For generations it has been far more than a building. It has been a place of care, support and connection.”

Sir Jeremy Hunt, MP for Godalming and Ash, who performed the opening ceremony, said: “Congratulations to the Cranleigh Heritage Trust team on all your hard work and dedication in bringing this to fruition. It is wonderful that the hospital will continue to support people’s health and wellbeing.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Napper Centre is an extraordinary building with an amazing story. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project has saved an important piece of our heritage, safeguarded its remarkable history and created a welcoming space that will benefit the community for generations to come.”

Restoration work began in December 2025 and was delivered by local firm Rhodes Brothers. The project has sensitively restored the historic fabric of the building while creating flexible, modern spaces for community use.

The centre now offers flexible spaces for hire, suitable for activities ranging from exercise classes and community groups to counselling sessions and wellbeing services. For more information, visit The Napper Centre website.