Press Release

17 January 2025

The Future of the Stubbington Study Centre

Fareham Borough Council has expressed concerns following a consultation launched by Hampshire County Council into the potential closure of the Stubbington Study Centre, to make way for a specialist secure children's home.

The Stubbington Study Centre is a well-attended and much-loved community facility that has served children across the region for almost 90 years. It operates to around 95% capacity over the school terms and employs 24 staff.

A change of use on this scale will require planning permission to be granted and any such application will be carefully considered by Fareham Borough Council’s Planning Committee. Schools, organisations and individuals have until Monday 10 February to share their feedback and Fareham Borough Council encourages local people to take part in the consultation to ensure their voices are heard.

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.”

You can find the open consultation on the Hampshire County Council website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations/stubbington-study-centre

ENDS