Plans for multi-million pound hospital development submitted
Plans for the multi-million pound development of two new hospitals at Leeds General Infirmary have been submitted.
The proposed development, understood to be worth £450m, comprises a new adults’ hospital, which will feature theatres for day case procedures and added critical care facilities, and a new Leeds Children’s Hospital.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has submitted the Outline Planning Application to Leeds City Council. The plans detail how the Trust is seeking to demolish the Old Nurses’ Home at the LGI.
The two new hospitals will be designed to support the next generation of healthcare for patients of all ages and built around the latest technologies. They will also play a “vital role” in Leeds’ Innovation District, an area around the LGI that will be developed to be a hub for health research, innovation and technology.
The Trust said it would work with the council and other stakeholders including Historic England, the Civic Trust and community groups to ensure landmarks – such as the Grade-I listed Gilbert Scott Building – are sympathetically developed.
Linda Pollard, chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The potential of this development is enormous, not only for the future of health services for patients in Leeds and beyond, but also for skills and investment it will bring to the city and the vital role it will play in establishing the Innovation District.”
Leeds City Council’s Planning department will now consider the application and the Trust will continue its planning process, which involves submitting an Outline Business Case for the development. This will then be subject to the appropriate NHS review and approvals process.
The development of the new hospitals is part of a wider 10-year programme to transform healthcare for patients in the region, called Hospitals of the Future.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “These proposals would transform the Leeds General Infirmary site, offering enhanced specialist services and highest levels of care and support for people of all ages from Leeds and beyond.
“This investment in Leeds as a centre for developing pioneering new healthcare technology would also fit perfectly with our Innovation District, further enhancing the reputation of the city at the forefront of health innovation and research.”
Moving forward, the Trust will develop the hospitals’ design to the next stage, preparing a detailed design brief and specifications.
Yvette Oade, the Trust’s Acting Chief Executive, added: “Submitting the Outline Planning Application for Hospitals of the Future is a really exciting step forward, not just for the Trust but also for our patients.
“Although the Trust still has some way to go to secure approvals and funding, it is closer to realising its vision for a landmark healthcare development for Leeds and the wider region.”
