Rishi Sunak on Malvern Hills College in Prime Minister's Questions

Rishi Sunak referenced the campaign during Prime Minister's Questions after Malvern's MP urged him to get behind the plan. 

The college closed in 2021 but a community-led team is hoping it can resume offering courses from September.

Legal action had been threatened by owners Warwickshire College Group (WCG) in a bid to overturn a covenant that protects the provision of education at the Albert Road North site.

But, according to West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, the group has now agreed to return to negotiations.

Yesterday, Ms Baldwin used Prime Minister’s Questions as an opportunity to ask Mr Sunak for his support.

Harriett Baldwin at a recent meeting with skills minister Robert Halfon (Image: Harriett Baldwin MP)

In response, the Prime Minister said: “I, of course, recognise the valuable work that all colleges do in meeting the local skills needs and very much welcome local community groups working together to address skills gaps in the way that her local area is doing. 

“My understanding is that my right honourable friend, the education secretary, is in discussion with the college, and I know that my honourable friend will continue making representation to her.” 

Ms Baldwin said: “Over recent months, I have urged both parties to come back to the negotiating table to see if a sensible deal can be done and prevent this ending up in court. 

READ MORE: Education minister asked to step in to college row as court date looms

“It would be a huge waste of public funds for Warwickshire College Group to take Malvern Hills District Council to court to challenge the covenant protecting the site from property development.

“I am pleased that the Prime Minister has added his support to the cohort of ministers who want to see this bid succeed and I hope that we will have good news to share with him very soon.”

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

The campaign has financial backing from the Bransford Trust, Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council.

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."