Omega Centre: Approval given to transform an arts centre into an “outstanding” SEND facility
The newly approved facility will support up to 78 SEND pupils
A new “outstanding” SEND facility to support 78 Portsmouth pupils will be created at a city arts centre after planners given the scheme the green light.
The scheme will see the Omega Centre in Omega Street, Southsea, converted from community use into a specialist facility for pupils at the Mary Rose Academy with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Edwardian former school building, which currently operates as an arts and community centre in the Charles Dickens ward, will be repurposed for young people with autism and learning difficulties up to the age of 19.
The facility would provide 76 places in total, including 50 with severe autism and severe learning difficulties and 26 with “very severe” autism and learning difficulties.
New facilities would include classrooms, group rooms, sensory spaces, and specialist teaching areas, as well as a workshop, food technology room, dining hall and kitchen.
Plans also include a small outbuilding and minor demolition works, including sections of the boundary wall to the north and south, along with the removal of four mature trees.
The new additions will be single-storey with pitched roofs and gable ends, finished in masonry at ground level with standing seam zinc cladding above.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Suzy Horton said the city is “desperate trying to meet the needs of those children”, which has placed financial pressure on local authorities across the country.
She welcomed the transformation of the “old tired building” into an “outstanding provision” at a school “considered outstanding by OFSTED”.
Councillor Mary Vallely raised concerns over the lack of windows in the kitchen, questioning the amount of natural light available for staff working long shifts.
It was noted that said the windowless design was required under building regulations to help contain the spread of fire.
Councillor Lee Hunt echoed those concerns, saying he was “not happy with it at all” and suggesting the decision be deferred to address the issue.
Newly elected councillor Carl Inman, drawing on his experience in the pub trade, said professional kitchens are commonly designed without windows and argued against “wasting time” by delaying the application.
The application, submitted by Andrew Malbon on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, was approved by seven votes, with one abstention, subject to 13 planning conditions.
Like many areas across the country, Portsmouth has seen a significant rise in demand for specialist school places, with Portsmouth’s high-needs budget increased by £7m for 2026/27.