College sells campus to housebuilder

Plans to build 70 new homes have moved a step closer after college SMB Group revealed that it has sold it Spinney Campus in Leicestershire to Bloor Homes.

The site, halfway between Melton and Leicester, received planning permission for the homes earlier this year.

SMB Group was formed by the merger of Brooksby Melton and Stephenson Colleges just under a year ago.

Its chief executive and principal, Dawn Whitemore, said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure this sale with such a well-regarded housebuilder as Bloor Homes. This is not only some good news that we could all do with at this time but moving forward will enable the College to continue to invest in its ambitious property strategy, providing relevant, innovative, and sustainable facilities that will help our learners to meet the skills and challenges of an ever changing industrial and agricultural landscape.’’

Mike Kelly, regional managing director of Bloor Homes East Midlands, added: “After working closely with the SMB Group and Rigby & Co, I am delighted that contracts have been exchanged for the Spinney Campus and that a joint reserved matters application has been submitted for 70 new dwellings.

“We are looking forward to building homes in 2021 that will complement the village, whilst bringing much-needed housing to the area.”

SMB Group advisor, Russell Rigby, managing director of Rigby & Co, said: “This is a great outcome for SMB Group. We promoted the site to the market in the depths of the first lockdown period, hoping for a fairly rapid and successful outcome and we are really pleased we were able help bring about a successful conclusion to this part of the transaction process.

I would particularly like to pay tribute to all the advisors on both sides who have worked very hard during what are still unpredictable times.”