New special needs school could be built on industrial estate

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 16:09

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

A new temporary special needs school could be built on an industrial estate in Middleton.

Meadows School says their current site in Rochdale, which caters for young people with educational, social, emotional, behavioural difficulties, is no longer fit for purpose. The Egerton House building, off Wardle Road, is too small and lacks outdoor space, according to the independent school.

With an increasing number of referrals to their school, they feel a new location is needed to improve their service for children.

The new school would be created in Link House, off Finlan Road in the Shakehill Industrial Estate. The empty building was vacated 18-months-ago by technology company MID Digital Solutions.

Meadows School wants to use the space for new classrooms with the addition of a ‘multi-use games area’ (MUGA). The outdoor yard would be fenced off for the safety and security of students.

It would be able to cater for a maximum of 40 pupils aged 11 to 17.

If plans for the temporary school are approved, the site would become Meadows School’s home for the next 15 years. After the 15 years is up, it is expected the site will go back into industrial use once again.

Planning papers read: “The School is relocating from their existing premises at Egerton House, Wardle Road in Rochdale, which is no longer fit for purpose. The applicant is receiving an increase in referrals and are therefore required to expand as a school.

“The existing premises also does not have any outdoor play space which is a limitation to the education and what they can provide in terms of curriculum. They currently utilise private games and play spaces where they are required to travel to and from.

“The existing School has an Ofsted rating of ‘good’, which will never be exceeded without access to outdoor play space.”

The redeveloped site will provide a total of 19 car parking spaces to provide for staff and visitors.

It is up to Rochdale Council’s planning team to make a final decision on the proposal.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh slams Facebook over “Shocking” drop in Child Abuse Reports

A front-page investigation in The Daily Telegraph revealed that Facebook reported 6.9 million fewer child sexual abuse incidents to global authorities in 2024 than the year before.
Plans to convert former church within a graveyard into offices

A disused church building could be converted into offices. Plans have been submitted to change the use of the the former New Jerusalem Church, Stand Lane, Radcliffe.
Bury shopping centre invites locals to design birthday cards as part of 15th anniversary celebrations

Budding artists, schoolchildren and creative residents in Bury are being encouraged to get their pens, paints and digital tools out for a special competition launched by The Rock Shopping Centre.
Residents invited to supercharge their health at special event this month

Locals can find out about a range of different health, care and council services at a special event, which is taking place this month at Rochdale Town Hall.
Man charged with murder following fatal collisions in Rochdale

A man has been charged with murder and attempted murder following a series of road traffic collisions in Rochdale.
Campaigner reacts to Lower Falinge demolition

Six blocks of flats in the centre of Rochdale are now doomed and one man now fears his house is next.
40th public defibrillator installed by Restart the Heart at Bury pub

A new public defibrillator has been installed outside The Famous Gamecock Inn on Rochdale Old Road in Bury, marking the 40th external defibrillator provided by the charity Restart the Heart CIO.
Harwood Park Primary celebrates prestigious UNICEF Silver award for rights respecting schools

Harwood Park Primary School in Rochdale has been awarded the Silver Rights Respecting School Award by UNICEF UK.
Cora crowned Woman of Rochdale 2025 after decades of care and charity

A woman who spent three decades dedicating her life to hospice care has been named Woman of Rochdale 2025.
Warrants of further detention obtained in terrorism investigation

Four Iranian nationals, including a man arrested in Rochdale, can now be held in custody and questioned until Saturday (10th May) as part of a counter terrorism investigation, following the granting of warrants of further detention.
£6 million haul as Police smash counterfeit empire linked to Cheetham Hill gang in dramatic Rochdale raid

A massive counterfeit operation believed to be tied to an organised crime gang from Cheetham Hill has been uncovered in Rochdale, with Police and Trading Standards seizing fake goods estimated to be worth around £6 million.
Tragedy in Ramsbottom as man’s body pulled from River Irwell

A large emergency services response was seen in Ramsbottom on Sunday evening, 4 May, after a man’s body was tragically discovered in the River Irwell.