A disused primary school in Hackney Downs is set to “take on a new life” as a school for SEND children, councillors say.
Baden-Powell Primary School will be repurposed to provide a “high-quality specialist education” to 48 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), having been closed in August 2024.
Hackney Downs councillors Michael Desmond and Sem Moema have welcomed the plans.
“We are very pleased to see Baden-Powell school take on a new life which will benefit so many vulnerable young people in Hackney… [and] Hackney Downs ward.
“It means our local school building stays in public ownership and will help address the challenges Hackney is trying to tackle, rather than being sold off or sitting empty.”
Local residents have supported the proposed plans describing them as “very much needed” and “amazing” on Nextdoor.com.
A decision will be made by the council to approve the plans before the end of the year, with refurbishment beginning in mid-2026 if approved.
The renovation will include new classrooms, improved staff and therapy spaces, specialist rooms for art and food technology as well as shared group areas.
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley said: “Since the start of the primary school closures in 2024 we have been committed to repurposing all of the buildings in the Council’s control, to ensure they stay in public ownership and help address the challenges the borough faces, rather than being sold off or sitting empty.
“By investing into this now vacant site, we are continuing to meet our commitment to create over 300 high quality places for the use of our children with SEND, and give new life to the building,” she said.
Joshua Haining is a freelance news reporter for The Daily Telegraph. He has written previously written for The Times and The Northern Echo, where he reported on news and culture.