Former Bradford mill could become private SEND school under new plans
Cumberland House on Cemetery Road has been empty since 2023
AN empty mill building in Bradford could be converted into a school for up to 250 pupils if new plans by a specialist education provider are approved.
Cumberland House on Cemetery Road was once part of a sprawling development of Victorian mill buildings and mill workers’ homes.
The large building has since been converted into office space, but has been empty since 2023.
Now Pivot Academy has applied for planning permission to convert the imposing building into an independent school for children with complex needs.
The application says the school will eventually have up to 250 pupils and 110 teaching staff.
58 parking spaces would be created on the site.
Pivot academy currently has a number of sites across West Yorkshire.
Last year an application by the organisation to open a school in an empty office building off Canal Road in Bradford was refused due to concerns that access to the site was “unsafe” for pupils.
The application says: “Pivot Academy offer schooling for learners with complex social, emotional, mental health and other associated needs. They offer educational pathways which reflect the individual needs of the students, that helps them to achieve their potential, and equip them for a successful life beyond school.
“The mills on Greenside Lane and in the wider Bradford area are important reminders of the city’s industrial past and its contribution to the Industrial Revolution. It is therefore important that sustainable uses for these structures are approved by the local planning authority to ensure their continued survival.
“The building with its current internal layout and overall condition makes it difficult to meet the needs of current office standards and would require significant alterations and improvements to achieve grade A office accommodation.
“The proposed change of use from commercial office use to educational use would provide a sustainable use and secure the future of this historical asset.
“The Pivot Group are willing to invest in this historic mill building and therefore ensuring a sustainable future going forward.
“It is proposed that initially the school will be confined to the ground and first floor levels of the building and support approximately 110 pupils with a total of 45 teaching and administrative staff members based on site at any one time.
“The remaining floor space will be developed in later future phases as and when additional teaching facilities and pupil spaces are required.
“The estimated total school pupil population of the entire building will be approximately 200-250 pupils with 110 teaching and administrative staff.”
The application acknowledges that the new school would lead to the loss of an employment unit – but point out that the school will employ as many staff as any likely office use.
A decision is expected next month.