Planning approval for Sheffield neurological rehabilitation centre creates 60 new jobs

Three healthcare entrepreneurs have secured planning permission for the first stage of a new healthcare hub in Sheffield.

Ray Boulger, Julia Leahy and Toria Chan from STEPS Rehabilitation Limited have been granted planning approval to build a state-of-the-art neurological and orthopaedic rehabilitation and recovery centre on part of the site of the former Jacobs Manufacturing Company premises 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 new, permanent jobs by next summer.

Ray Boulger, Chairman of STEPS Rehabilitation Ltd, said: “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.”

Wake Smith director Lisa Davison guided STEPS Rehabilitation Limited through specific healthcare tax issues and the formation of a development vehicle and structure to buy land at Troutbeck Road, off Abbeydale Road South.

Lisa Davison, director in the commercial property department, commented: “With STEPS being the very first anchor on the site, my work concentrated on putting together the legal framework on the land purchase. This involved solving the tax issues for development costs as healthcare companies are exempt from paying VAT. We also guided STEPS, as a new developer, through the best, and most effective, way to structure the project using a development vehicle.”

Ray added: “Lisa fully understood the legal complexities surrounding a development of this type and provided a very comprehensive service. We have been able to concentrate on the facility while knowing that the legal work has been fully taken care of.”

STEPS was successful in securing a substantial grant from the Regional Growth Fund, administered by Sheffield City Council, to help create the new employment opportunities.

David Grey, chair 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 will 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.

Sheffield-based chartered accountants Hawsons also worked with Wake Smith on the project, playing a key role in creating a comprehensive business plan and supporting financial forecasts, together with assisting in the successful RGF application and an effective operating structure.

Scott Sanderson, partner and healthcare specialist at Hawsons, said: “We have been delighted to see how this project has developed and look forward to seeing how this state of the art facility, under the guidance of a strong management team, will assist those who need it most within Sheffield and the surrounding areas.”

Architects on the two-storey, brick and timber built property, which features a green living roof, was Newcastle Upon Tyne-based architects Alston Murphy. Iain Murphy, the firm’s managing director, added: “Together we have helped create what will undoubtedly be an outstanding facility. We have been specialist designers for all types of Care Home Provision over the last 25 years and this building allows that experience to fulfil the clients aspirations.”

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.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →