A former hospital in Leicester, known as Towers Hospital has been sold on behalf of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH).
LSH sold the former commercial property site to Redrow Homes, who plan to build around 145 new homes. The 10 acre site, which stands just two miles from the city centre was formally an asylum centre in 1869 and later became a mental hospital. The site got its name, Towers Hospital in 1948 and has remained a hospital right up until 2010 when it was announced that the site would be sold.
Speaking of the sale, Geoff Gibson, Director at Leicester LSH office, said: “This is a very well-known site in the Leicester area. We are pleased to have been involved in the sale on behalf of the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, and that it has been sold for housing development to such a nationally known company as Redrow.
“The NHS Trust will be re-investing the capital receipt in patient care and modernising its remaining estate.”
But is turning a commercial site into residential right for the community? When the plans to close the hospital were originally announced, the Chief Executive of the Leicestershire Partnership NHS, Antony Sheehan spoke of his desire to leave a legacy.
Antony said: “I am keen we work with partners on this. I am conscious this site is at the heart of the community and people have been cared for here for many years.
“Leaving a legacy is very important and we want to have those conversations.”
Do you live near the former hospital in Leicester? Do you think that turning the former commercial site into residential properties is the best option? Share your comments below.
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