University puts 'Hogwarts campus' on the market

A set of historic university buildings dubbed by students as the "Hogwarts campus" has gone on the market.

The University of Gloucestershire said Francis Close Hall Campus, located just outside Cheltenham town centre, had been placed on the market to establish interest and "explore options for the long-term future" of the site.

The campus dates back to 1847 and features Grade II-listed gothic buildings constructed of Cotswold stone alongside more modern facilities.

"It is important to be clear that this does not mean the campus has been sold or that we have already decided what will happen to it," said Camille Stallard, chief financial officer at the university.

The university said it was "keen to stress this development does not represent a definite decision to sell or lease the campus".

"Instead, testing the market will give the university a clearer picture of the options genuinely available," it said.

The decision comes almost a year after a consultation was launched on the future of the campus which, the university said, needs major investment due to a maintenance backlog of about £14m, and modernisation and accessibility requirements.

As a parent of a teenager considering whether to go to university, Geoff Burch, a business guru from Cheltenham, said the prospect of the University of Gloucestershire selling off some of its assets was "not very cheery" - although he noted the university was moving up the national rankings.

"I've always felt that Cheltenham could do with at least one town centre premier hotel," he said of the future potential of the campus," Burch added.

"It would make a great hotel because you've got the grounds for parking and bits and pieces as well.

"It is an awkward old building and an awkward place too. So, maybe it would be a good idea to get rid of it but it'd be a shame to see it demolished or misused."

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