Consultation on re-purposing and closure of Stubbington Study Centre from 1 September 2025 to enable future investment in a specialist secure welfare children's home

From 14 January until 10 February 2025, Hampshire County Council asked for views about a proposal to close Stubbington Study Centre, so that, subject to funding and planning permission, the site could be used for a new specialist secure welfare children’s home for vulnerable children and young people – to replace the current facility, Swanwick Lodge.

Further information can be found in the supporting documents at the bottom of this page.

Consultation Analysis

The consultation received 4960 responses via the consultation Response Form, of which 4824 were from individuals, 19 were from democratically Elected Representatives, and 82 from groups, organisations or businesses, of which 74 were schools or other places of education. (The remaining respondents did not provide this information).

In addition, 523 emails and letters were received. These were submitted by 228 individuals, 14 democratically Elected Representatives, local authorities and organisations, 7 schools and 274 school children.

The consultation Insight Summary provides an overview of the key points raised during the consultation.

Further detail, including a breakdown of responses by respondent groups and demographics can be found in the data reports.

Decision process

The consultation findings have been carefully considered by Councillors alongside other relevant factors, including operational, financial, policy and legal considerations at the following meetings:

• Hampshire 2050, Corporate Services and Resources Select Committee – Thursday 6 March 2025 at 10:00am
• Cabinet – Tuesday 18 March 2025 at 10:30am

Following a detailed and thorough discussion, Cabinet took the decision to reject the proposal. See more details.