Liverpool Council to decide future of African Caribbean Centre

Liverpool Council is about to decide the future of an important African Caribbean center located in L8. This site has served the community for nearly 50 years. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about building a new school in the area. Recently, a committee meeting revealed tensions around the council's plan. During this meeting, the council faced calls to apologize for its management of the situation. The council says the land occupied by the center could help address a growing need for school places in Liverpool. The board of the Merseyside African Caribbean Centre expressed anger when they learned their location was included in the land earmarked for the new school. A petition to save the center has gained over 5,500 signatures. The center's board has reached out to the council for assurances that it can continue operating independently at its current site. If approved, the proposed new school would start with more than 120 students and could grow to accommodate 600 by 2028. To facilitate this, the council plans to make four acres of land available for a long-term lease. Some council members have called for further review of the plan, arguing that more community consultation is needed. They want to ensure the center remains where it is and that alternative sites for the school be explored. The council's cabinet will evaluate these recommendations next week before making their final decision.