Private hospital plans for former RFL HQ move forward

The proposed development of a private hospital in the former Leeds headquarters of the Rugby Football League has moved forward with the submission of planning applications.Dr Faisal Arshad, the lead surgeon at The Hair Dr – Hair Transplant Clinic, and his wife and business partner Sommiya bought Red Hall House from the Rugby Football League last year for more than £1.65m.Full planning and listed building applications have now been submitted to Leeds City Council for the redevelopment of the grade II-listed estate.Planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of the building to create a specialist medical centre comprising an out-patient treatment and day surgery facility, with associated treatment rooms, operating theatres and consultation rooms.The coach house to the rear would be converted into a residential property to manage the property on a 24/hr basis, and would also include wellness facilities such as a pool and a gymnasium.It has been estimated that the new facility would create about 28 additional permanent jobs.Plans were submitted towards the end of 2021 for the conversion of part of the estate to a medical centre and have recently been approved. This will enable the applicant to begin operating at the site.Red Hall House is located within the ‘Red Hall’ area of the East Leeds Extension. Housebuilder Redrow submitted plans last year for 360 new homes on land surrounding the building.The RFL left Red Hall House on 30 April 2021 after 26 years, relocating to a new purpose-built home as part of the Sport City development at Manchester’s Etihad Campus.The building dates back to 1650 and was home to a number of prominent Leeds families. It was sold to Leeds Corporation and was used by Leeds City Transport Department during the WWII, before becoming an aged persons’ home and, subsequently, the RFL’s head office.