Bromley Council is asking people for their views about a proposal to close the Poverest Centre in Orpington.
The Poverest Centre provides adult education courses, including courses for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Why is the Council consulting?
Bromley Council had previously decided to close the Poverest Centre.
A legal challenge was brought by a Poverest learner, through his father, because learners with learning difficulties and disabilities and their families and carers had not been properly consulted before the decision was made.
The Court of Appeal ruled that the decision to close the centre should be cancelled. It said the Council must consult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities who use Poverest, and their carers, before deciding whether to close the centre.
The Council is now carrying out this consultation and no final decision has been made.
What is the Council proposing?
The Council is proposing to close the Poverest Centre building and provide adult education courses at different locations across Bromley instead.
The Kentwood Centre would become the main adult education centre, with courses also taking place at other venues across the borough.
Have your say
The consultation is open until Sunday 18 October 2026.
You can:
- complete the Council’s online consultation survey
- attend one of the Council’s face-to-face consultation sessions.
If you use the Poverest Centre, have used it in the past, or think the proposed changes could affect you or someone you support, we encourage you to share your views.
Read more and take part in the Poverest Centre consultation
