Mount Radford Lawn. Credit: The Deaf Academy
The Deaf Academy is delighted to announce plans for a comprehensive feasibility study that aims to deliver its aspiration for Mount Radford Lawn in Exeter – to be transformed into a multi-functioning, multi-use space that meets the needs of the wide-ranging community.
Mount Radford Lawn is an unused parcel of Urban Green Space in St Leonards, Exeter, which is owned by the Deaf Academy.
The Academy relocated from its Topsham Road site (adjacent to Mount Radford Lawn) to Exmouth in 2020. However, it remains extremely proud of its extensive history and continued roots with the city, dating back to 1826. It also has a considerable alumni of former staff and students living in Exeter.
Sylvan Dewing, Principal of the Deaf Academy, said: “We now want to deliver a plan that creates both a permanent legacy as a long-standing provider of Deaf education, as well as an attractive, vibrant and sustainable community space.”
The Deaf Academy was formerly called Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education and is a registered charity. The charity is led by a highly experienced and skilled Board of Trustees which drives organisational change.
This project will tie in with the Academy’s plans for its Bicentennial celebrations in 2026. It will have an emphasis on celebrating the Deaf community, Deaf culture and Deaf identity. It will also focus on the Academy’s priorities for supporting inclusion, education, special education needs and British Sign Language.
The Academy has commissioned an independent professional who has expertise in this field of work; having helped establish the successful Park Life community space in Exeter’s Heavitree Park. He will liaise with key stakeholders, build a community around the project and recommend a way forward to bring the vision to reality.
This shall take place during April and May 2024. A Feasibility Report will then be produced in June 2024 with key recommendations for Mount Radford Lawn’s transformation.
Anyone wishing to engage in this feasibility study can email [email protected], stating your interest.
The Academy has created a web page that serves as a public timeline and includes a BSL translation of this information. It will be updated at each stage in this project’s progress. Visit: https://thedeafacademy.ac.uk/mount-radford-lawn/
