NEW places for more than 70 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will be created in Hillingdon by the sale of Barra Hall, Hayes, to Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges. 

Last September, the council agreed that some of its children’s centres, including Barra Hall, were no longer required after a switch to a new family hubs model.

The former manor house, overlooking Barra Hall Park, has been vacant since February, when the new Hayes Family Hub was completed.  

Last night (25), the council’s cabinet agreed the sale of a building that was once used as Hayes and Harlington town hall. 

It will ensure the Grade II listed building is safeguarded and remain an asset to the community. 

 Hillingdon is aiming to reduce the numbers of SEND pupils moving to independent non-maintained special schools, due to the cost. 

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport, said: “The sale of this site is a real positive for everyone, by providing essential SEND learning places, raising vital revenue for the council and saving taxpayers’ money.” 

The plan is for the site in Wood End Green Road to be upgraded for special educational use for more than 70 pupils with SEND as part of the wider expansion of Uxbridge College.