Leeds city leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and economic growth despite delays to the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, now set to begin construction between 2033 and 2035.
The Leeds Innovation Village, part of the £2 billion Leeds Innovation Arc and a flagship project of the £160 million West Yorkshire Investment Zone, will proceed as planned. Construction is expected to start this year. The project is anticipated to generate £13 billion in economic growth and create 4,000 jobs.
Early development includes Scarborough Group International transforming the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary into a health tech innovation hub. Other key innovation assets in Leeds include Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation hub, which has raised £134 million in private investment since 2019, and Leeds Teaching Hospital’s Innovation Pop Up, which has over 50 industry members and 40 active projects.
The city’s long-term vision for innovation is backed by collaborative leadership from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, universities, and the NHS Trust. Leeds ranks as the UK’s third most attractive location for health tech firms and is home to nine of the top ten research and development investors.
Despite the hospital project delay, leaders, including West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Leeds City Council leader James Lewis, emphasised their commitment to pushing forward with economic growth, job creation, and improved healthcare infrastructure.
