What is happening to the former Westfield Community Centre in Hinckley?

The historic building is being repurposed to become a school for children with special educational needs (SEND).

Why is a new SEND school needed in Leicestershire?

There is a significant shortage of specialist school places, with hundreds of children on waiting lists across the county.

Who is behind the plans for the new SEND school in Hinckley?

The Hopedale Group, which operates several SEND schools, is behind the proposal to transform the former community centre.

Home / Education / Historic Hinckley Centre to Educate SEND Children

Historic Hinckley Centre to Educate SEND Children

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Former community centre to house up to 75 SEND students.
Building originally constructed as a school in the 1930s.
Council cites urgent need due to SEND place shortages.

Historic Hinckley Centre to Educate SEND Children

The former Westfield Community Centre in Hinckley, a building with a rich history dating back to the 1930s, is slated for a new educational chapter. It is set to reopen its doors to serve up to 75 children with special educational needs (SEND), returning it to its original intended purpose as a school.

This transformation comes in response to an urgent demand for specialist school places across Leicestershire, where hundreds of children are reportedly on waiting lists. The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's planning committee enthusiastically supported the change of use, highlighting the critical need for these vital educational resources.

While acknowledging the closure of the community centre, local officials expressed optimism about the building's revitalization. Plans include a one-way system for student drop-offs and pick-ups to ensure safety, aiming to minimize any disruption to the surrounding Rosemary Way.