(UK) Blackburn: $4.7M special school for more than 70 students approved

May 8, 2025, Lancashire Post: Historic Blackburn town centre site set to become £3.5m [$4.7M] Special Educational Needs and Disabilities centre 

NW England

A historic Blackburn town centre building has been earmarked to become a new £3.5million Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) centre.

The vacant Bridge House building would be transformed with six classrooms catering for more than 70 pupils aged 16 to 18. There would also be a new café – where students will be able to learn catering and hospitality skills.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will use £1.7m [$2.3M] of its ‘Levelling Up’ grants from the Government to help pay for the project, and the authority is already in talks for it to become part of Crosshill School, under the leadership of the Oak Learning Partnership Academy Trust. . . .

Cash

As well as the Government grant and council investment, the authority is also looking to use money from Section 106 developers’ contributions from new building plans.The Executive Member Decision report provides a further details of the scheme which has been subject to extensive survey and feasibility studies since the government funding was confirmed in 2024. It also seeks approval to start enabling works, including a full strip out, and advanced repair works, as well as permission to procure a building contractor.It outlines that more detailed investigations are also required around a culvert which runs under the building.

The planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.