Health facility makes most of hall’s historic setting

[THE HISTORIC

in Leeds has found new life as a pioneering private health facility, with plans under consideration to expand.

Phase One of the £8m development is complete, with the multi-disciplinary Leeds Private Hospital now fully operational. It is being operated by husband and wife team Dr Fas Arshad and Ms Sommiya.

Red Hall House dates from the 17th century, with the impressive main range dating from the late 18th century. It was latterly the headquarters of the Rugby Football League –that most Yorkshire of sports – before being acquired by Dr Arshad and his wife, who is also his business partner.

Dr Arshad commented: “The stunning transformation of Red Hall House itself has seen us achieve Care Quality Commission approval, enabling us to use the building as a first-class medical facility.

“We have invested £3m 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 longterm investment in the Leeds region, creating new and sustainable jobs and providing a timely boost to the region’s economy.”

Planning permission is now being sought for a new, single-storey extension to extend the services the new Leeds Private Hospital will offer.

Jonathan Erkulis, director of Yorkshire-

based E3 Architecture, is working very closely with Dr Arshad on the transformation of the Red Hall House estate.

He explained: “Our detailed plans have secured the restoration, sustainability and longevity of this important Grade Twolisted 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 6,500ft2 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 and securing the Red Hall Estate’s long-term preservation, enhancement and future viability.”