Plans revealed for new Leeds hospitals to launch "innovation district"

Plans have been revealed for the construction of two new hospitals in Leeds in a development that could create more than 3,000 jobs.

The new hospitals, on the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) site, are slated to be the “catalyst” for the Leeds Innovation District.

The LGI Development plan will create two new hospitals, one for children and one for adults, and will release around five hectares of estate on the site which will be redeveloped as part of the Leeds Innovation District.

The overall Leeds Innovation District - a strategic partnership between Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, the Leeds Universities, Leeds City Council - is set to boost the local economy by up to £11.2bn in net present value terms and create more than 3,000 jobs.

Dame Linda Pollard, chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, commented: “It is fitting that the old site, which has served us well for more than 150 years, is transformed to ensure that here in Leeds, we continue to be at the forefront of med-tech and digital advancements for years to come.

Simon Worthington, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s director of finance, said: “Research and innovation is at the heart of everything Leeds Teaching Hospitals does.

“The digital and innovation agenda is changing how patients access clinical services and how the Trust provides care for its patients.

“Digital technology and world-leading innovative techniques will be central to the services provided in the new hospitals.”