A closed-down leisure centre could be turned into a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Plans have been submitted for the former Weaver Road Leisure Centre in North Hykeham.
The building, which is on the junction of Whisby Road and Kingsley Road, has been vacant for more than three years. Harvest Land Management has submitted plans to turn it into an independent specialist facility for children aged between five and 14 years old.
Children would be taught in classes of six or less, with specialist therapies available to help their performance compared to a mainstream school. Planning documents say the school would help children with autism or social, emotional and mental health difficulties “who have been struggling to thrive in other school settings”.
The North Hykeham building could be converted into 14 classrooms, along with a gymnasium and breakout areas. The applicant says that the facility would reduce the number of transitions between schools children would need to go through, and could be expanded to Key Stage 4 (15 and 16 year olds) in future.
The plans say there is currently a national shortage of SEND places, and the operator has successfully run schools in other parts of the country. “The proposed development will ensure that the local communities have access to the specialist educational needs and disability facilities, allowing local children to receive the specialist support close to home, and avoid having to travel to out-of-area facilities.”
The applicant also say the location has good transport links, with the A46 bypass a short distance away. The proposed school would employ 47 staff when fully operational.
The former leisure centre, which was previously also a gym, has been on the market for three years without any other interest in it. The plans have been submitted to North Kesteven District Council, and will be determined at a future date.