Council completes acquisition of property at college campus

The purchase means a significant part of the site – including its iconic clock tower building – will continue to be used to provide education for the people of the borough, as it has done for the last century.

Buying the site will also allow the council to deliver the long-awaited redevelopment of Newman Upper School in Whiston.

Students from the Upper School, which is part of Rotherham’s oldest special school, will move to the Dinnington Campus, allowing the demolition and redevelopment some of the existing, dated buildings.

The council says it has worked with former owners, the RNN Group to ensure a smooth handover and the continued use of the site and buildings.

Councillor Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Dinnington College Campus is a cherished landmark for the community and this scheme will ensure 100 years of educational provision at the site will continue.

“Combined with the redevelopment of the much-loved Newman School in Whiston, our investment will improve the education and life chances for hundreds of local children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).”

Suzanne Joyner, strategic director of Children and Young People’s Services at the council said: “Completing the purchase of the Dinnington Campus site is a significant step towards delivery of a really exciting scheme.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and co-operation of the RNN Group through the sale process and for the warm welcome our project has received from the community in Dinnington.”

Jason Austin, chief executive officer and principal, RNN Group, added: “We are delighted the main Dinnington Campus buildings have been preserved by Rotherham Council for educational purposes to support children and young people who have specialist needs.”