The Deaf Academy has announced plans for a feasibility study that could lead to the transformation of Mount Radford Lawn in Exeter.

It has strong roots in the city dating back to 1826 and is set on creating a multi-use area that meets the needs of its community.

Mount Radford Lawn is an unused parcel of urban green space in St Leonards, which is owned by the Deaf Academy.

The institution relocated from its Topsham Road site, adjacent to Mount Radford Lawn, to Exmouth in 2020.

But it continues to maintain its ties with Exeter and counts numerous former staff and students among the city's residents.

Principal of the Deaf Academy, Sylvan Dewing, said: "We are now researching how we could create both a permanent legacy as a long-standing provider of Deaf education, as well as an attractive, vibrant and sustainable community space."

Exmouth Journal: Mount Radford Lawn is an unused parcel of urban green space in St Leonards

The Deaf Academy, once known as Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education, is a registered charity overseen by a skilled and experienced board of trustees, which leads organisational modifications.

This feasibility study forms part of the academy's plans for its bicentennial celebrations in 2026, with a focus on celebrating the deaf community, deaf culture and deaf identity.

In line with these plans, an independent professional experienced in this field of work has been commissioned; his credentials include assisting in establishing the successful Park Life community space in Exeter’s Heavitree Park.

His role is to liaise with key stakeholders, establish a community surrounding the project, and offer a way forward.

The undertaking is scheduled to occur during April and May, with the future of Mount Radford Lawn to be indicated in a Feasibility Report to be released in June.

As part of the process, public engagement is encouraged via email correspondence to mrl@thedeafacademy.ac.uk.

Further information about the project, including a British Sign Language translation of this information, can be found on the project’s web page at thedeafacademy.ac.uk/mount-radford-lawn/.

Progress updates will be posted at each stage of the project.