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New education and community centre to be launched in Westfield

Posted on 11 July 2023

The go ahead has been given for an education and community space at Sanderson House, Chapelfields - providing local residents with access to new opportunities and a fair chance of achieving their goals and aspirations.

Sanderson House will be home to the new centre

The new centre, led by the University of York and made possible thanks to philanthropic support, was approved by councillors following a consultation with the local community.  City of York Council has now agreed to lease Sanderson House to the University for a five-year period. 

In partnership with Westfield Primary Community School and York High School, the centre will be open Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year for a range of study and play activities, as well as dedicated time to support adults in the community.

New look

University of York’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “We have met with several schools in the area to understand the challenges they face and the opportunities we could support with, and it was clear to us that by working together with the local community we could create something really special that would be both inspirational and educational, allowing young people and adults to fulfil their potential.

“By co-creating programmes of learning we can reduce gaps in attainment and increase progression through the education system, as well as promote life-long learning and training. This is our long-term commitment to the community of Westfield and we are looking forward to the next stage of the project where we start to shape the look and feel of Sanderson House together with residents.”

The project team will now work with the local community to decide on a new look for the centre, giving Sanderson House a new lease of life, as well as working together to develop the programmes and activities that will both inform and entertain people across a range of age groups. 

Health and wellbeing

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Safer Communities and Community Cohesion at City of York Council, said: “Thank you to the residents of Westfield ward who contributed to our consultation on the proposed new use of Sanderson House. They gave overwhelming support to this inspiring initiative, which will help improve educational and social outcomes in the area. 

“The consultation generated many good ideas from local people. These included how the centre - together with community partners - could support and offer activities to residents to improve health and wellbeing, increase social contact, and create new opportunities for young people. 

“This feedback has been shared with the University’s project team. I look forward to seeing it develop and help create more and fairer access to opportunities for residents.”

Generational change

Drop-in sessions will be held from mid-July onward for pupils, parents and local residents to learn more about the project, along with a range of other events throughout the summer.

Rod Sims, Headteacher of York High School, said: "This project is seeking to make generational change through a long-term commitment to providing facilities, services and activities that the Chapelfields area needs. 

“It has the potential to enhance the work of the school through offering a base for additional learning, for other agencies to meet families away from the formal school setting, for careers, for homework and for pastoral care."

Enhance opportunities

The team will also be working in collaboration with local Further Education and Higher Education providers (Higher York), businesses and a range of community organisations across York.

Lamara Taylor, Headteacher of Westfield Primary Community School, said: "There are many things that happen outside of the school gates that impact on attendance at school, motivation to learn and engagement in education. 

“To ensure our children achieve the best possible outcomes, we are exploring ways to enhance the opportunities in their own community and this is where the concept of this centre began.”  

The team is encouraging everyone with an interest to join the partnership, convey their thoughts and ideas and be kept up to date by visiting the project website at:  https://communityteam.org.uk/ 

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