TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington look set to press ahead with proposals to acquire and convert the iconic Peace Centre building as a centre for children with special education needs (SEND).
Although the cost of the project is likely to be considerably more than the £5.4 million estimated when it was first put forward in June last year, it is still likely to be significantly less than the cost of acquiring a site and building a new centre.
It will also give the Peace Centre – which last year was said to be at “critical risk” – a new future.
Members of the borough council’s cabinet will be asked at their meeting on April 11 to continue to support the proposal to develop the Peace Centre as a new hub for post 16 years and post-19 years young people with SEND.
They will also be asked to approve a projected increase in costs of £1.896,000 to a total cost of £8,376,000 excluding the acquisition of the property.
In addition, they will be asked to approve the principle of acquiring the property at a cost of £1,367,000 subject to survey.
Total cost of the project would be £9,743,000 funded from prudential borrowing and the capital programme.
The plan will not only help meet an increasing demand for services for young people with SEND but also reduce the need – and cost – of sending them to education providers outside the borough.
The Peace Centre is currently owned by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust – a Trust of the Peace Foundation – and the NSPCC, although the NSPCC has vacated the building.
It is anticipated the Peace Foundation would retain a small office within the building.
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So glad they can repurpose this iconic building