BREAKING NEWS: Negotiations fall through on controversial plans for derelict Lewes school

Controversial plans to grant the lease of a derelict school site in the heart of Lewes to the SUBUD organisation have come to an end, it has been revealed this afternoon (Tuesday, April 19).
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Apr 2016, 17:48 BST
Updated 19th Apr 2016, 18:50 BST

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St Annes school, Lewes SUS-160217-225252008St Annes school, Lewes SUS-160217-225252008
St Annes school, Lewes SUS-160217-225252008

In a joint statement released by East Sussex County Council and SUBUD Britain, it has been confirmed that contract negotiations for St Anne’s School, which was valued at £2.75m, have been terminated.

The statement said: “For the last three years East Sussex County Council and SUBUD Britain have worked hard and effectively together to develop plans for a community facility on the site of the former St Anne’s school in Lewes – the option the town’s people said they preferred during a consultation in 2012.

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“We always recognised that this was an ambitious and complex project and that further complications could emerge during the process. Both organisations were therefore committed to regular checks along the way to ensure the latest information was taken into account.

“Unfortunately both parties have now come to the conclusion that is not possible to transfer the site for community use in a way that meets the original aims and aspirations of both parties and is both viable and sustainable. We have therefore reluctantly decided to bring the contract negotiations to an end.

“The county council will now be reviewing options for the future use and development of the site before determining a new way forward. SUBUD Britain will retain its existing presence in Lewes and continue to offer and develop community facilities and services.

“Both organisations would like to put on record our thanks for the effort and support that many people have given to try and secure a future for the site.”

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The decision to lease the site to SUBUD was met with scrutiny from local residents. For more information, click here.

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