The sites of two of the three schools closed by the council are being used by a special educational needs provider and as short-term storage, a senior councillor has confirmed.
Middle Street school in The Lanes, which closed in August, is being let to a special educational needs and disability provider.
And St Peter’s Community School in Portslade, which closed in August 2024, is partly occupied by the Bike Hub, and as short-term storage by the council.
The answers came in response to a written question submitted to this month’s full council meeting by Green councillor Sue Shanks, who also asked about St Bartholomew’s Primary School in Ann Street, Brighton.
Cabinet member for finance and city regeneration councillor Jacob Taylor confirmed Middle Street is being let short-term to Sutton District Training Limited, which provides education and training for young people aged 16 to 25 either with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), as well as those with diagnosed or undiagnosed needs.
He said Brighton and Hove City Council is looking for more short-term occupiers for St Peter’s.
St Bartholomew’s in Ann Street is owned by the Chichester Diocese. The council is negotiating with the Church of England for the property, and once completed the council will seek a short-term use for it.
We were told that it takes a long time to change a school site to another usage or provider by the man from the council. So how come Middle Street already had new tenants over the summer holidays? Had the council already sorted out this deal before they closed the school? Me thinks they may not be telling the truth.