Major 'pivotal' milestone as 130-year-old Leeds Medical School begins new life as Innovation Hub
Major milestone as historic Old Medical School set to become a hub of innovation
It was one of the first provincial medical schools in England dating back 130 years.
But now the Grade II listed Old Medical School from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is set to mark a major new milestone securing its future as a hub for health tech innovation.
The Scarborough Group International (SGI) has formally completed the acquisition of the building and is the first phase in the development of the Innovation Village, a go-to destination for science, research, technology and innovation.
It is expected to create 4,000 jobs and bring £13 billion in economic benefits and development potential of 1.5 million square foot of Leeds city-centre land.
Mark Jackson, spokesperson for SGI, said: “Completing the acquisition of the Old Medical School is a pivotal moment for the project and an important step forward for the region’s fast-growing health-tech ecosystem.
“This building has played a defining role in medical education and discovery for more than a century. Now, with vacant possession secured and a clear path ahead, we have the opportunity to bring that legacy into a new era.
“Our goal is to create a place where clinicians and innovators can work shoulder to shoulder; where ideas can be tested quickly, challenged, refined and brought to life; and where businesses of all sizes can access the networks, facilities and expertise they need to make real advances in patient care.
“This acquisition gives us the platform to move forward with purpose and pace.”
Antony Kildare, chair at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’re delighted to see the Old Medical School take on a new chapter and become a centre piece in the future of healthtech innovation and commercialisation in the city.
“This is possible thanks to the strategic vision across the city and our close collaboration with partners across Leeds. With SGI’s stewardship, the new healthtech innovation hub will fuel ideas and harness innovation to make a lasting impact on healthcare for patients in Leeds and the region.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “This latest development moves the Old Medical School one step closer to becoming a cutting-edge health tech innovation hub, and strengthening the city’s unique offer as the perfect location to build, test and scale as part of one of the most interconnected ecosystems in the UK.”
SGI will also begin the formal heritage and planning processes involving preparing the information and assessments needed for both Listed Building Consent and Planning Consent.