Southwark’s Council has reaffirmed that closing primary schools will not be turned into flats.
Last week, Cobourg Primary School announced its possible amalgamation with Camelot Primary Schools, reviving rumours that the council intends to repurpose struggling schools as residential properties.
But in a statement shared with the News, Southwark Council’s schools boss Councillor Jasmine Ali said: “Closing a school is a last resort. If it should happen then the council has made a commitment to repurposing schools for education and/or community use such as for children with special educational needs, adult learning or community organisations.
“It also leaves the option for us to reopen as a school, ready for the time when birth rates rise again and when new families come to the capital.”
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Social media users had speculated that Cobourg’s Burgess Park location would make it prime real estate for luxury flats.
But under these plans, the council would maintain public ownership of school buildings while ensuring they aren’t vacant for years.
Cllr Ali’s statement will provide some reassurance to parents who have been hit by a flurry of closures and amalgamations in recent months.
St Francesca Cabrini Primary School, Honor Oak, will shut in September and Townsend Primary School, Walworth, began consulting on closure in December.
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