New special school planned for empty office building in Newbury

Plans to turn a vacant office building on Newbury Business Park into a school for children with special needs have been submitted to West Berkshire Council.

The applicant also wants to turn the car park of River View House into a playground.

The school would be for around 50 pupils aged 11 to 19 with complex learning needs.

The children may have a range of needs, including emotional and mental health issues.

The applicant, Hillcrest Children’s Services, says the school will offer specialist learning opportunities which do not exist at other schools in the area and employ up to 37 people.

River View House has been empty since May 2020, with estate agents reporting no interest and a drop in numbers of companies needing office space.