The Former Ida Wing, Cookridge Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire. Historic Building Recording (OASIS ID: archerit1-348378)

This report presents the results of a Building Survey of The Former Ida Wing, Cookridge Hospital. The survey was undertaken to record the history and the historic architectural features of the building in advance of redevelopment. ArcHeritage was commissioned by Esh Construction to undertake the survey and report, which were carried out in line with the specification produced by the West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS). This was undertaken as a condition of the Planning Approval (Application No. 14/02558/LI). The Hospital was built in 1889 by Chorley and Conon as an addition to the Cookridge Convalescence Hospital built eighteen years earlier on the same site. The Ida Hospital was built in memory of Ida North by her parents. Built in the half-butterfly plan with particular regard for sunlight and ventilation, the hospital was an improvement on the earlier Cookridge Hospital as it provided patient accommodation on the ground floor and contained a variety of ward types and sizes. Although stylistically similar to the older hospital, the Ida Wing was built in a more domestic architectural style. The neighbouring Robert Arthington Hospital was built in the early 20th century to the same design and was originally linked via a covered walkway. The fabric of the hospital changed little over its history, a testament to its sound design. The only major change was the replacement of the original toilet blocks with larger extensions in the 1960s. The hospital continued in use until 2005 when it was closed along with the rest of the site.