Published: Wednesday, 2nd August 2023
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is proposing to build a new Transitional Learning Centre (TLC) for young people up to the age of 25 aiming for completion in 2025.
The proposal on 77 Bexley Road will be a bespoke design for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Council is now asking residents what they think about the proposals. Feedback from the consultation will directly influence the facility's design and services.
Cllr Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “This will be the first of its kind in Royal Greenwich and the services it aims to provide will be invaluable to our young people with SEND.”
“Currently, there is insufficient provision within the borough, with 30 young people currently placed outside of London in alternate provisions, many of whom are a significant distance away from home. Building a new educational hub will ensure everyone can reach their full potential and empower our young people.”
The aim of the facility is to assist the journey into adulthood by providing work experience, independence skills, health maintenance, money management and more. The building will harness indoor and outdoor learning with a mixture of extra curricular activities.
Cllr Aidan Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The new building will be designed specifically to meet the needs of those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This development will deliver positive change to Eltham for existing and new communities. The building will be carbon net zero, allowing us to play an active role in tackling the climate crisis and improving environmental sustainability”
The Council has been running focus groups with SEND networks to gain a deeper understanding from a user perspective. It will now host two in-person consultation events that are open to the public.
Head down to the Eltham Centre to give your feedback and ask questions to architects, councillors and planning officers.
Open day dates and times:
- Wednesday 30 August | 2 to 5pm
- Thursday 31 August | 5 to 8pm
The online consultation will run from 21 August to 10 September and will take 5 minutes to complete – do it while you’re boiling the kettle, running a bath or on your morning commute!