Concerns grow over potential Stubbington Study Centre closure
More than 7,500 people have signed a petition calling for it to be saved
Fareham Borough Council has expressed its concerns over the potential closure of Stubbington Study Centre.
The borough council has joined growing calls for the outdoor education centre to be saved. More than 7,600 have now signed a change.org petition against Hampshire County Council’s proposal to close the centre and build a children’s home.
The new specialist provision would replace Swanwick Lodge, the county council’s only specialist children’s home, providing a safe, secure, therapeutic environment for up to 10 of the most vulnerable children from Hampshire and across the country.
If approved, Stubbington Study Centre will close in September 2025, meaning that schools, other organisations, and individuals will no longer be able to use the centre and will need to find an alternative site.
Consdervative-run Fareham Borough Council said that the centre is a “well-attended” and “much-loved” community facility that has served children across the region for almost 90 years.
Executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Simon Martin, said: “I was extremely surprised to hear the news about the proposals from Hampshire County Council to close the Stubbington Study Centre. While I appreciate that there is an increasing need for facilities offering specialist residential care, this should not be to the detriment of this thriving community hub.
“I will be strongly encouraging Hampshire County Council to continue their search for an alternative site in order to protect the future of the Study Centre. I will also be seeking a meeting with the Hampshire County Council Cabinet Member to express my reservations in the meantime.”
A change of use on the site will require planning permission to be granted, and Fareham Borough Council said the planning committee will “carefully” consider the application.
In the meantime, schools, other organisations, and residents have until Monday, February 10, to share their feedback using the online form on the county council’s website. Alternatively, responses can be emailed directly to [email protected].