A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed that potential investment in North Tyneside Council’s outdoor education centre, High Borrans, had to be balanced against several other major local institutions.
A council report from last February, obtained via the FOI request, shows that several council assets were weighed against further investment in High Borrans. Three specified examples include St Mary’s Lighthouse, the Grade II listed vacant Wallsend Hall, and the Stephenson Steam Railway “to name a few”.
Significant investment required
The report states: “…the investment required into the facility, both to address immediate maintenance issues as well as longer term investment, is significant and will need to be balanced against other competing investment priorities within the council estate of land and buildings.”
The paper also states that High Borrans would require around £3m in funding just to bring the building “up to standard”. A further £200,000-£250,000 per year in capital costs was estimated.
A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council said: “The council manages a large and varied estate of land and buildings, and we continually review the condition and investment needs of those assets. This includes schools, industrial premises, and cultural and visitor attractions, with individual requirements considered as part of our wider capital planning.”
Other assets’ investment needs
According to the local authority, the Stephenson Steam Railway needs investment to meet “ongoing maintenance needs”, however, these are still being assessed, and no overall investment figure could be confirmed.
St Mary’s Lighthouse has recently received around £900,000 in improvement works, with further works planned, including work to the causeway. The exact level of investment has not yet been determined.
In regard to Wallsend Hall, the council stated: “Following a marketing exercise inviting long leasehold offers, the council has selected a preferred developer.
“The developer is currently undertaking due diligence and surveys to inform proposals for the building’s restoration and future use. This work will help establish the scope and viability of the project, so it is too early to provide a confirmed investment figure.”
Public and political backlash
The council’s announcement to close High Borrans by November this year has sparked outrage, both public and political. A petition calling for the local authority to retain the facility has amassed over 2,400 signatures, triggering a full council debate next month.
The move has also generated The Save High Borrans Campaign, comprising opposition councillors, a now-suspended Labour councillor, the GMB union, the Friends of High Borrans, and residents.
