The Warrington Borough Council is currently reviewing proposals for the transformation of the Peace Centre building into an educational facility. This upcoming decision will be discussed at the council’s development management committee meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The Peace Foundation, established in memory of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball who tragically lost their lives in the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, aims to create a Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) facility within the Peace Centre building. This facility would cater to post-16 and post-19 age groups and include classrooms, multi-purpose spaces, and external amenities such as an all-weather walking track, horticultural learning area, playground, and designated parking areas.
In addition to the educational facility, the Peace Foundation plans to utilize space within the building for office use and occasional activities. The proposed development also includes provisions for staff parking, drop-off and pick-up areas, and a turning circle along Peace Drive.
The council’s recommendation is leaning towards granting planning permission for this project, pending approval from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). If the HSE does not raise any major concerns or request intervention from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the development manager will have the authority to make necessary adjustments to planning conditions.
The report presented to the committee highlights the positive impact of converting the Peace Centre building into an educational facility, emphasizing the importance of local SEND provision for young adults. While this transformation would involve the removal of the existing basketball court to make way for additional parking, the overall benefits outweigh this loss.
Assurances have been made regarding potential issues related to visual and residential impact, flood risk, drainage, tree preservation, and traffic concerns. The proposed development aims to create a conducive learning environment while maintaining harmony with the surrounding community.
By repurposing the Peace Centre building into a school, the Peace Foundation continues its mission of promoting peace, understanding, and education in honor of the lives lost in the tragic events of 1993. This new educational facility would not only benefit students with special needs but also contribute to the local community by providing valuable resources and support for post-16 and post-19 age groups.