Malvern Hills College: Education minister asked to intervene

Warwickshire College Group (WCG) is preparing to take Malvern Hills District Council to court over its refusal to lift restrictions on the sale of Malvern Hills College.

A covenant is in place that prevents the Albert Road North site from being sold for anything other than education purposes.

MP Harriett Baldwin has asked education minister Robert Halfon to intervene (Image: Harriett Baldwin MP)

But WCG, which closed the college in 2021, says it has a duty to maximise the value of the site - which could mean selling it for housing.

Now West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on Robert Halfon, the minister for skills and education, to intervene.

“A court date has been fixed but it must surely be time for WCG to come back to the table and do a deal,” said Mrs Baldwin.

“I think most people will agree that it cannot be in the best interests of either party, or the taxpayer, for this to end up in court and with a fair bid on the table, I hope that the group’s management will finally do the right thing.

READ MORE: Council approves £400k bid to buy Malvern Hills College

“I am saddened that Warwickshire College Group have rejected my offer of mediation and that the chief executive and a succession of chairs refused to meet to discuss a sensible solution.

“I am grateful for the continued support of government ministers and hope that they will be able to insist on a compromise that benefits both parties and the Malvern community.”

Following the closure of the college, a community campaign to start a new Malvern Hills Art and Community College (MHACC) was formed.

The campaign even found financial backing from the Bransford Trust, Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council - but WCG said the group’s £1.2 million bid lacked a business plan.

“We all hope that a sensible deal can be done that allows Malvern Hills College to return to full operation under new owners and the team can start to market courses to local people,” added Mrs Baldwin.

A WCG spokesperson said: "While it is not appropriate for WCG to comment on ongoing legal proceedings, legal proceedings are always a final resort when a situation cannot be otherwise resolved.

“The WCG CEO and Chair have both met with the MP and other key stakeholders on numerous occasions, but sadly the situation remains unresolved. The site has many complexities and a number of organisations are involved in this sale.

“We remain open to constructive dialogue and have always been willing to talk to any potential buyer who makes a viable offer which meets the legal obligations placed upon the college group.

"The Malvern Hills site has been closed since 2020 and the Department for Education has determined that there is no functional need for an FE college in the town to provide Government-funded courses or qualifications for young people or adults."