Hampshire Council Plans SEN School Conversion, Grantham School Seeks Pub Classroom Reuse

Several UK projects are underway to repurpose vacant or underused buildings for educational and residential uses. Hampshire County Council plans to renovate The Hive in Compton into a facility providing 24 special educational needs (SEN) places with classrooms, therapy, and sensory rooms, alongside expanding parking to ease local congestion. In Oldham, a former school building, Denton House, is set for mixed use with a one-bedroom flat, a five-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO), and a retail unit, aiming to revitalize the community despite local concerns about noise, parking, and antisocial behavior. Nearby, The Cedar Tree Bar and Grill in Rochdale is proposed for conversion into seven flats to address the demand for affordable housing, while retaining the building's historical character. In Grantham, The King's School has submitted plans to convert the empty Five Bells pub into a sixth-form center with tailored study spaces and offices, with minimal external alterations planned. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of adapting existing structures to meet evolving community educational and housing needs.