A one-of-a-kind research and rehabilitation healthcare facility has officially opened its doors in Sheffield.

The Spark, located at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in Attercliffe, is home to the National Centre for Child Health Technology. NHS bosses described the centre as the first of its kind in the U.K.

The four-storey facility will support up to 200 patients a day, with the first two floors providing outpatient care for conditions such as diabetes and supporting patients in sleep, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation.

The upper floors, dedicated to research and development of new health technology, utilise robots, virtual reality and AI, the NHS Sheffield Children’s Foundation Trust says, will be able to “tackle the biggest challenges young people face and accelerate ideas that can change lives and redefine what’s possible for children’s healthcare.”

Facilities in the research area of the building include rooms designed to replicate a family home and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre equipped with 34 video cameras.

Partners and funding support for the project includes the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

The opening comes to commemorate Sheffield Children Hospital Charity’s 150th anniversary on 14 November.