Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet has granted approval for the construction of a new girls’ school in Toxteth. The Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy will be situated off Upper Parliament Street and the decision to establish the school also included a commitment to support the community centre currently located on the site. The land, which spans around four acres, consists of several council-owned parcels, with some portions being utilized by the African Caribbean Centre and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital for parking.
During a meeting at the Town Hall, where local ward councillors and residents had the opportunity to voice their opinions, the Cabinet agreed that alongside the construction of the school, the community centre should remain on the existing site. A consultation process with the community is set to take place to gather further input. The school, set to be operated by Star Academies, received approval from the Department for Education to open in the city as part of the Free Schools Programme.
Designated as a Muslim faith school, the Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy is expected to accommodate up to half of its students from the Muslim community, while also welcoming pupils from all other faiths and those with no religious affiliation. With a projected enrollment of 600 students, the school will help address the increasing demand for secondary school places in Liverpool. The selection of the Toxteth site, bordered by Upper Parliament Street, Mulgrave Street, and Selborne Street, was based on it meeting all the criteria set by the DfE, making it the only council-owned property that satisfied the requirements.
In a statement, Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, emphasized the importance of involving local stakeholders in the decision-making process. He acknowledged past shortcomings in communication and engagement with the community and expressed a commitment to conducting meaningful and thorough discussions with all relevant parties. Stressing that no final decision has been made regarding the African Caribbean Centre’s future, Cllr Robinson highlighted the intention to consult with the community to ensure their voices are heard before any definitive actions are taken
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