SGI to transform medical school into health hub

Scarborough Group International (SGI) has acquired the Old Medical School in Leeds, following an exclusive agreement with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

SGI, a family-owned property regeneration specialist, plans to transform the 75,000 sq ft historic building into a 'cutting-edge health tech innovation hub', bolstering the company’s life sciences portfolio while also helping to play an ‘instrumental’ role in Leeds’ growing health tech sector.

Simon McCabe, chief executive of SGI, said: “This is an exciting time for SGI as we further strengthen our commitment to the UK’s life sciences sector, supporting the Government’s vision of building a world-leading healthcare system and life sciences hub.

“The sector holds enormous potential to drive economic growth and significantly improve health outcomes for thousands of people across the UK.”

Professor Phil Wood, chief executive at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “I am delighted that we are taking this next step forward in the redevelopment of the Old Medical School.

“This grand, historic building will be transformed into a leading health tech innovation hub that Leeds will be very proud of.

“The hub will have a direct impact on patient care for decades to come.”

The hub, which is being heralded as a ‘beacon of innovation’, will be an integral part of the city’s new Innovation Village, providing co-working spaces, offices, laboratories and event areas designed to support collaboration between healthcare start-ups, academic institutions and industry leaders.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “As the home of NHS England and Europe’s largest teaching hospital, Leeds is a global magnet for health innovation, ranking in the top five most attractive cities in the world for health tech firms.

“Now, with the rollout of our multi-million pound investment zone helping to bring projects like the Old Medical School forward, our region is fast-becoming the beating heart of the world’s health tech sector.”

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