Royal Park School building to remain in Council Ownership - but in what form? (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Royal Park School building to remain in Council Ownership - but in what form?

November 11, 2003 12:00 AM

On Wednesday, the Council's Executive Board is likely to endorse a recommendation from Education Leeds to the School Organisation Committee that Royal Park Primary School in Hyde Park should close. At the same time it is likely to endorse a proposal that the school building is retained for Council and community use.

Commenting on the proposals Greg Muhollland (Lib Dem, Headingley Ward) says "All three Headingley Councillors have fought hard to keep the school open. This remains our position."

Cllr Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley Ward) added "There was always a danger that the Council would look to make a quick profit by selling the property, rather than keeping it in Council ownership. We therefore welcome proposals for relocation of Council facilities and retention of community activities within the building. The last thing we want here is another "slum landlord" development."

David Morton (Lib Dem, Headingley Ward) comments "Whilst we have some doubts about the overall scheme - we would have liked a genuine "one stop shop" on this site for example, the proposals are much better than we had feared. Until a final decision to close the school is taken, we will continue to fight to keep it open. If it does close we be monitoring the implementation of the Council's proposals to ensure that the local community gets the best possible deal"

The Council will dispose of a number of properties to fund this scheme. They have confirmed that Burley Library building - which is situated in the Area of Student Housing Restraint (ASHORE), would be leased on condition that it would not be used for student accommodation.

Notes to Editors

The Executive Board on Wednesday is likely to endorse a report by Education Leeds to recommend closure of the school. In a separate report, Executive Board is asked to agree to a proposal to re-locate a number of Council facilities including:

 Relocation of Burley Library. A study has confirmed that most users live near to the Royal Park building

 Youth Service facilities currently located at Headingley Annex in North Lane

 Burley Sure-start

 Area Management Team for North West Leeds

 269 square metres for community use including the school hall, plus shared meeting space

 Relocation of up to 85 Social Services staff from White Rose House in Headingley