WARRINGTON Borough Council’s cabinet has given its continued support to the development of a new facility at the Peace Centre for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In June 2022, a report initially went to Cabinet to approve the investment to develop the Peace Centre facility, with the council acquiring the Peace Centre building as part of the scheme.
The report detailed plans to create a multifunctional site, supporting the development of a new local service offer for young people aged over 19 and additional support for people aged over 16, with the relocation of sixth-form services from Woolston Learning Village.
The revised proposals have been drawn up to account for increased costs to deliver the scheme, ensuring that the future facility will be able to provide support to those who need it within Warrington, rather than some young people being placed outside the borough.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Sarah Hall, said: “We remain fully committed to investing in the Peace Centre as a valuable facility for our young people with SEND.
“This new hub will continue to be shaped by the views of our young people, their parents, carers and key stakeholders, and will ultimately help to prepare people for adulthood, supporting development of our young people towards paid employment, independent living, and living active, healthy lives.
“The facility will support the incredible work of our high-performing schools and educational settings.
“We have a pressing need to increase our capacity locally to provide support to our young people with SEND. We need to be able to accommodate more young people locally, and I am sure that progressing with plans for the Peace Centre is the right decision that will have far-reaching benefits.
“It is also significant that in developing this facility we are also able to ensure the future of the Peace Centre building.”
