Empty warehouse could become new SEND school

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 20:55

By George Lythgoe

Empty warehouse building at Kingsway West Business Park, Moss Bridge Road, Rochdale

A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school could be built on the site of an empty Rochdale warehouse.

The vacant unit on Kingsway West Business Park would be transformed into a school for 50 pupils under plans.

A proposal, tabled by Whitehall Academy, includes six classroom; three sensory rooms; a multi-purpose hall; offices; a board room; a staff room; dining and kitchen spaces; a reception; and a medical room.

There are no planned changes to the outside of the building off Moss Bridge Road. But the west side of the building will have fenced off artificial grass where blank space used to be – to provide a secure play area for the children.

This scheme would be an extension of Whitehall Academy’s current premises on Whitehall Street. The facility is a specialist independent primary school, supporting vulnerable young people with complex needs.

Young people might have been diagnosed with autism, learning difficulties and complex neurological conditions. All students have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) or are in the process of being assessed, according to Whitehall Academy.

Planning papers read: “Whitehall Academy strives to provide a broad and holistic curriculum that caters to pupils with a variety of needs, including autism, communication, sensory needs, and specific learning difficulties.

“The curriculum strives to be tangible in every part of the school day which begins with breakfast club, allowing all learners to be ready to engage in the formal curriculum and provides opportunities for staff to have conversations, address concerns, and prepare learners for the day ahead.”

The school would be open from 9am to 3pm for pupils and 8am to 4pm for staff. If including breakfast club and some after-school clubs, then the opening hours may be from 8am to 5pm for staff and pupils on some days.

The warehouse building was most recently occupied by an engineering firm Circuitmaster Designs Ltd and used for manufacturing. The property is vacant and has been on the market since October 2024.