Expansion of pioneering private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval

Planning approval is set to be granted for the second phase of a pioneering private hospital in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings.

Leeds City Council planners are ready to give the green light to a brand-new 6,500 sq ft extension at the 17th century Red Hall House estate near Roundhay Park.

Phase One of the £8m development is complete with the multi-disciplinary Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall now fully operational.

Phase Two will comprise a large day case surgery unit with full operating theatres as well as examination, treatment and consulting rooms, which will create 40 new jobs and ease the heavy burden on the over-run NHS in the Yorkshire region.

Dr Fas Arshad, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon and the lead surgeon at The Hair Dr – Hair Transplant Clinic, explained that the new single-storey annexe at Red Hall was absolutely crucial to the private hospital’s success.

“The news that planning permission for Phase Two is set to be granted is tremendous. The new £5m annexe will house the rest of the clinical areas on site, including the two operating theatres, where non-emergency cases such as cataract surgery, arthroscopies and ear, nose and throat procedures will be carried out.

“The new annexe will also allow the latest sustainable and medical technology to be integrated seamlessly with the grade II listed Red Hall House.”

“My wife and business partner Ms Sommiya and I are absolutely passionate about creating the finest private hospital in Yorkshire. The stunning transformation of Red Hall House itself has seen us achieve Care Quality Commission (CQC) approval, enabling us to use the building as a first-class medical facility.

“We have invested £3million of our own money already in Red Hall House, turning the old and rather neglected headquarters of the Rugby League into the one of the finest private hospitals in the north of England. This is a long-term investment in the Leeds region, creating new and sustainable jobs and providing a timely boost to the region’s economy.

Jonathan Erkulis director of the Yorkshire-based E3 Architecture is working very closely with Dr Arshad on the transformation of the Red Hall House estate, explained: “Our detailed plans have secured the restoration, sustainability and longevity of this important Grade II Listed Building while creating sensitive and high-quality designed additions to create a prestigious state-of the-art medical facility.

“It has been a pleasure working with Dr Arshad to secure the stunning redevelopment of Red Hall House itself and of the 6,500 sq ft annexe. The project is an example of where conservation and commercial aspirations can work together through major investment.

“E3 Architecture have also worked closely with Leeds City Council planners ensuring a unified approach to maintaining the setting and integrity of Red Hall, via careful and innovative design, preserving the landscaped grounds and approach securing the Red Hall Estate’s long-term preservation, enhancement and future viability.”

Dr Arshad and his wife bought Red Hall House from the Rugby Football League last year for over £1.65 million.

Dr Arshad explained: “The Hair Dr Clinic had expanded quickly and we outgrew our previous premises. The majestic Grade II Red Hall, close to the brand-new East Leeds Orbital Route, has proved absolutely perfect and it is humbling to have moved into such a magnificent building with such an illustrious history.”

The building is set in over three acres of landscaped grounds ensuring patient welfare, comfort and discretion have been at the forefront of design.

Ms Sommiya commented: “The main focus of our work at Red Hall is offering up-to-date and state-of-the-art treatments, which include surgical and non-surgical treatment. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that everyone who comes here for surgery will also receive the very best psychological and emotional support.”

The founders of Red Hall Private Hospital have strong links to the region having both graduated from the University of Leeds. Dr Arshad, who is a Consultant Head, Neck and Facial Plastic Surgeon and Ms Sommiya, who is a Practice Manager and Audiologist with a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, are now ready to implement their exciting plans to expand the repertoire of surgeries that will be offered in Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall.