PLANS to bring in a new owner at Malvern Hills College have raised hopes the historic site will soon welcome students once again.

Negotiations are ongoing with a specialist education provider to become the potential new owner at the college. 

And, according to West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin, the potential deal involves the possibility of community use.

In November 2020, Warwickshire Colleges Group (WCG) announced Malvern Hills College, incorporating Malvern School of Art, would be closing in the following July.

In June 2023, campaigners were 'devastated' after a judge ordered Malvern Hills District Council to remove a legal agreement which meant the site could only be used for education.

READ MORE- The Brewers Arms in Malvern to host beer and cider festival

READ MORE- Prospect View Medical Centre pharmacy closes again

It was thought at the time this may pave the way for the site to potentially be sold for housing.

Dame Baldwin said she was greatly saddened that the previous leadership of WCG took the local council to court and pressed on with the decision to close and sell off a 'treasured local education resource.'

However, Dame Baldwin has told the Gazette that she was encouraged by discussions with the new principal of WCG, Sara-Jane Watkins.

She added: "I understand negotiations are ongoing with a new owner for the Malvern Hills College with a hope to preserve education at the historic site that involves the possibility of community use of this valued asset.

“I’m not able to comment on the specifics of the deal but I have offered Sara-Jane Watkins and the community my full support as they navigate this challenging period.”

The college is listed as an 'asset of community value'.

On July 1, Malvern Hills District Council received a written notification from WCG of its intent to sell the building on Albert Road.

If an eligible group wants to make a bid for an asset of community value they must inform the council within six weeks of them being told the property is available to purchase.

Eligible groups will then have six months to put together the bid, at the end of which, if a bid has successfully been put together, the owner will have the option to either accept or sell the property freely on the open market.

A spokesperson for WCG said: “We can confirm that the Malvern Hills College site is currently under offer from a specialist education provider, however we are unable to disclose any further information at this stage.”