An empty building in Stourbridge which looked set to be sold by Dudley Council is now to be brought back into use by a borough special school.

The Unicorn Centre, on Brettell Lane, closed in August last year. It provided specialist care for adults with profound learning difficulties and complex health needs.

The building is now being developed as part of The Brier School in Kingswinford. It will be a much-needed space to support the schools existing capacity and ever-growing need to develop specialist provision.

The new use of the building is part of a drive to provide appropriate placements for as many pupils with special educational needs (SEND) in the borough as possible. Many are currently having to travel because of a lack of places.

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The Unicorn Centre was a specialised facility designed to support individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex health needs.

“The centre is fully accessible and still equipped with innovative technology, including sensory rooms, ceiling hoists and a state-of-the-art music room.

“Furthermore, we are currently in a position where we don’t have enough capacity to meet the demand with regards to helping children with special educational needs.

“As a result, the council has to fund expensive places in independent schools, often outside the borough, as well as covering the travel costs.

“It therefore makes sense to make use of this building rather than dispose of it and give pupils the chance to continue their education locally under the expert umbrella of the staff at the Brier Special School.”