Plans submitted to turn Leather Museum into SEND facility for Walsall College - despite opposition from campaigners
Walsall Council has submitted a planning application to convert the town’s Leather Museum into a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) facility for Walsall College.
The authority announced in September 2025 that the artefacts would be ‘reprovided’ in another, yet to be disclosed, town centre building as part of the regeneration plans.
The existing building on Littleton Street West is part of a historic Victorian factory complex and has been displaying artefacts since it opened in 1988. It is not within a conservation area or listed.
Deputy leader Councillor Adrian Andrew confirmed in October 2025 that taxpayers’ money has already been allocated from the government’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding pot to make the building disability-friendly.
A petition was launched in November to keep the museum at its current location, which has received over 3,300 signatures so far.
Despite opposition, the council is pressing on with its plans to move the Special Education Needs offering from Walsall College’s Hawbush site into the museum building.
The changes do not require full planning permission since the current activities at the Leather Museum and the proposed educational facility fall within the same class use.
The application, submitted by construction director at the council, Richard Ackerley, seeks a certificate of lawfulness – confirmation that the works are covered by permitted development.
As part of the application, Walsall College has written a letter in support.
It highlighting the benefits of the outdoor space available, the proximity to the college’s Wisemore Campus meaning SEND students can access drama and teaching kitchens, plus the nearby transport links encouraging students’ independence.
The council has set a target date for a decision to be made next month.
