College Farm For Sale
Derby College is planning to sell part of its Broomfield Hall site to raise funds for improvements elsewhere in the land-based campus.
Lime Farm which comprises a former dairy unit, farmhouse, farm buildings and 220 acres of land has been advertised for sale either as a whole or in five different lots by agricultural agents Bagshaws.
The closing date for tenders is March 25 2010 and the College Governing Body will then decide how to proceed and which offers to accept.
Some of the Lime Farm buildings are currently used by the College for storage. Associated land is subject to short term farm business tenancies and vacant possession has been secured to coincide with the termination of these agreements with the current tenants.
Derby College Principal David Croll explained: “There has already been a great deal of interest in Lime Farm so we hope to raise a sizeable amount of money which will then be re-invested in the College to further our commitment to provide 21st century learning facilities for our learners.
“Land-based courses continue to go from strength to strength at Broomfield Hall but modern teaching methods for agricultural training continue to change and we require less land at Broomfield Hall to support our learners’ studies.”
Derby College recently unveiled a masterplan to improve Broomfield Hall which provides courses covering agriculture, floristry, horticulture, animal care and conservation.
Plans include the refurbishment of existing facilities for students as well as creating new classrooms, indoor and outdoor sports facilities for students and the local community, a pre-school nursery at the campus and expanding the Food Hub which would bring together local growers and producers from the Derby and Erewash area to provide an outlet for their produce.
Outline planning permission has been submitted to Erewash Borough Council and will be followed up by detailed plans for phased elements over the coming years.