Leeds Innovation District outlines further development plans
Leeds Innovation District has taken another step forward with outline planning sought for the latest proposed development in the centre of Leeds.
An outline planning application, submitted by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, forms part of an estimated £450 million investment in redeveloping the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) site to provide a new adults’ hospital – with added theatres and critical care – and a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital. The development will enable the Trust to expand its services, providing patients with care based on the latest technologies, treatments and research.
The latest news builds on the momentum for Leeds’ vision to create a world-class hub for research, innovation and entrepreneurialism in sectors such as health and life sciences, creative and digital, data, engineering, advanced infrastructure and urban services.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “Together with our universities and the teaching hospitals NHS Trust, we are creating a focal point for innovation in the city. Alongside development opportunities, we are encouraging collaboration between businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, health professionals and civic leaders, to enable business and job creation and growth, and promote inward investment.
“This latest potential development for the Leeds General Infirmary site is a perfect example of how we are looking for opportunities to further enhance the city’s reputation at the forefront of health innovation and research.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chair Linda Pollard added: “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.”
The Innovation District, where science meets creative arts and healthcare, has already benefitted from a series of significant developments, primarily within healthcare and academia, adding momentum to plans which will see regeneration and inward investment opportunities developed in the area. Recently delivered or on-site investment the University of Leeds has investing £40 million in the new Nexus innovation hub, providing seamless access to its research and innovation expertise.
Professor Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Innovation District board member said: “Supporting innovation is vital to the future success of the Leeds region. Our £80 million investment in a new creative arts building brings world-leading, industry-quality teaching and learning facilities in film, television, music, fashion, dance, drama and performance to the heart of the city’s Innovation District.”
“Each year, we educate and train 1,800 students in the creative arts. They graduate to provide a pipeline of diverse and multi-skilled talent for a sector worth more than £100 billion to the UK economy.”
The Leeds City Region’s strengths in health technology were referenced by the government as part of the Life Sciences Sector Deal, and which are supported by an ambitious £250 million investment plan.