High Borrans review launched to see if outdoor centre can be saved after council closure
A new review has been launched to assess whether a beloved outdoor education centre could be saved under new ownership.
High Borrans, in Cumbria’s Windermere, is due to be shut down by its owner North Tyneside Council in November.
The decision has sparked a public and political backlash, but local authority bosses say that a multi-million pound repairs bill and declining school visits has made the centre unviable.
It has now been announced that the Institute of Outdoor Learning is now heading a working group to explore whether High Borrans can have a future outside council ownership.
However, council bosses reiterated that the move will not alter their decision to shut High Borrans and prepare it for sale.
North Tyneside Council director of children’s services, Rebecca Wall, said: “We recognise the strength of feeling that exists around High Borrans and the value many people place on outdoor education. We have seen that passion throughout this process and we understand how important these experiences are for children and young people. This is a passion shared by the council.
“Since cabinet’s decision, officers have continued to implement the agreed actions linked to closure of the service and the site. This includes consultation with staff and trade unions and work to identify the most appropriate route for disposal of the site.
“We are aware this is difficult for staff and have ensured on-going support to colleagues based at High Borrans is in place as arrangements progress.
“Post closure future options are being explored via a working group chaired by the Institute of Outdoor Learning to explore whether there may be viable future uses for the site outside council ownership. We are engaging constructively and have agreed to provide information to support their independent review.
“This does not alter or reverse the cabinet decision and any future arrangement would still mean that High Borrans is no longer owned or operated by North Tyneside Council.”
The council determined the centre was no longer viable due to declining school visits, a £3million maintenance bill, and recent operating deficits of over £180,000 and £60,000. The centre also requires an annual subsidy of around £180,000 from the council.
More than 2,400 people signed a petition demanding that the council U-turn on the decision to close High Borrans, which was first announced in June.
In August, the Save High Borrans campaign announced it was considering applying for a judicial review into the closure.
Percy Main and Chirton councillor Rebecca O’Keefe was also suspended from North Tyneside’s ruling Labour party for a minimum of six months for defying the party whip and voting in favour of a cross-party review into the closure.