People and communities
Walsall Council approves move to enhance SEND adult provision
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On Wednesday 24 September 2025, proposals were approved by Cabinet at Walsall Council to progress plans to improve the education provision for adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the borough.
The decision means that Walsall College’s SEND provision for students can relocate from its Leamore-based Hawbush campus to the current Walsall Leather Museum site on Littleton Street West. This will provide a secure and fit-for-purpose learning space close to the main Walsall College campus, endeavouring to support students to move into mainstream learning. The building will be leased to Walsall College for a term of 125 years.
This decision also supports the development of the new and enhanced Adult Learning Centre (ALC), which will be located in the heart of Walsall. The new centre will offer a broad range of educational services, including employability, business, and IT skills, and will play a vital role in supporting adult learners across the borough.
It means that Walsall Leather Museum will be relocated to a central town centre location. Discussions regarding the future of the museum are ongoing with stakeholders from business, education, and the community.
“ This move will provide much needed central provision for local SEND students, delivering an increased offer in a supported environment and improving lives.
“It has been a difficult decision to make, but we are committed to relocating Walsall Leather Museum to a more prominent and accessible location within Walsall town centre. There is a need to increase footfall and improve its offer, so it provides value for money and better represents the history and heritage of our borough. This will enhance the visitor experience and maximise the advantages of ongoing town centre regeneration.
“Like all councils, Walsall faces significant financial challenges. It is therefore essential that we maximise the value and impact of every pound we spend, ensuring that all expenditure delivers the greatest possible benefit for our residents and communities.
“By providing a new location for it, we will ensure we have a museum in a more central location in the town centre. It gives us the opportunity to consider showcasing not just leather and lorinery, but expand the offer to include the Willenhall lock industry, our mining heritage and prominent figures from the area such as author Jerome K Jerome, and historian and intelligence officer Sir Harry Hinsley. The Leather Museum is a key part of the wider cultural offer in Walsall which includes The New Art Gallery Walsall, Walsall Arena, Arboretum as well as our other parks and open spaces. “
