University campus sold to Chinese investor
A WEST Midland university campus has been sold to a Chinese investor in an undisclosed deal.
Staffordshire University has confirmed that its Beaconside campus will continue to be used for educational purposes.
Business leaders and politicians have welcomed the news, although what the site will be used for remains unclear.
The university, which had appointed Bilfinger GVA to handle the sale on its behalf, confirmed that contracts for the 50 acre site had been exchanged.
It has pledged to work closely with the new owners to help them realise their ambitions for the site.
Margaret Monckton, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Our legacy is important to us and the proposed uses for Beaconside are absolutely in line with that. It means that the site is retained for education and it brings a new international employer into Stafford.
“We remain committed to Stafford and are currently investing £4m in creating a self-contained Centre of Excellence for our highly rated nursing, midwifery and professional health courses at our Blackheath Lane site.”
Stafford Chamber of Commerce said it had worked closely with Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy and the university to ensure the site was retained for education purposes.
Chamber president Carl Croft said: “We are extremely pleased with this outcome, it is very positive news for Stafford. We lobbied hard with the university under Jeremy Lefroy’s leadership to secure the future of this important site.
“Retaining Beaconside for education purposes will enhance the local economy in and around Stafford and bring new people into the area. I’m sure this development will also provide some incredible shared learning opportunities.”
Mr Lefroy said: “I am very supportive of the site being used for educational purposes. Stafford is increasingly becoming a town that welcomes international partners and clearly the UK is very keen on closer ties with China. I’m aware of concerns over the closure of Beaconside Sports Centre on the site but look forward to working with the investor to benefit the public of Stafford.”
Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins added: “This is very welcome news for Stafford and our wider Staffordshire economy and presents us with more fresh opportunities. Closer links with China and their growing economy is good news and in particular that they have chosen Stafford for their educational investment.”
