Green light for Sheffield healthcare hub
Three entrepreneurs have secured planning approval for the first stage of a new healthcare hub to be built in Sheffield on part of the derelict former Jacobs Manufacturing Company site.
Ray Boulger, Julia Leahy and Toria Chan from STEPS Rehabilitation have been granted planning permission to build a neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation and recovery centre at the location off Abbeydale Road South.
The purpose-built development, which will offer 23 beds and feature a rehabilitation gym, hydrotherapy pool and cafe, is expected to create 60 full-time equivalent jobs, by next summer.
STEPS chairman Ray Boulger added: “Our research has shown a strong need for dedicated rehabilitation services for working aged adults who have suffered neurological trauma.
“We know that if we harness patients’ individual drive and desire and add our commitment and care, we will achieve optimal results. We can offer patients the tools with which to push their own recovery to its pinnacle.”
STEPS was successful in securing a substantial grant from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), administered by Sheffield City Council, to help create the new employment opportunities.
David Grey, chairman of the Sheffield City Region LEP RGF Investment Panel at the council, said: “STEPS has the potential to become the prime facility for patients who require the latest care and rehabilitation therapies to achieve the highest level of recovery from neurological trauma.
“It promises to bring over 60 new jobs into the area and regenerate the site which currently lies derelict.”
The development will form the first part of a specialist healthcare and retirement hub which is hoped to finally include a retirement village, doctors’ surgery, pharmacy, an 80-bed nursing care home, dementia care facilities, 31 sheltered apartments for the over 65s and a special needs independent living unit.
The derelict site has been unused for the last 13 years.
Sheffield-based accountancy firm Hawsons also worked with Wake Smith on the project. Newcastle-based architects’ practice Alston Murphy Architects designed the two-storey, brick and timber built property, which features a green living roof.
Work has now begun on demolition of the remaining steelwork on site and will undergo remedial work, access and service work and landscaping to bring the site into use.
Source: Insider Media
