Dorset Council has acquired former private school St Mary’s in Shaftesbury, Dorset, after it fell into administration.
The council bought the 55 acres of land and 165,000 sq ft of heritage buildings in Dorset from BDO for £10.1m.
St Mary’s was built in the late 19th century as a private house in a Jacobean architectural style. It was used as a hotel in the 1920s and housed the US Air Force and American Red Cross in World War II.
The property was later converted to a convent and then a private school. St Mary’s School Shaftesbury closed last July and the school trust fell into administration. Joint administrators instructed Savills to sell the site on behalf of creditors.
Stuart Jones of Savills, who led the sale on behalf of BDO, said: “2020 was a challenging year for the private school sector and a number came to the market having been unable to continue trading. St Mary’s Shaftesbury is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious schools to become available in this way.”
Spencer Flower, leader of Dorset Council, said: “We are very ambitious for the site… It is suitable for a broad range of services and community uses, which could include provision for Dorset children, supported living for our Dorset care leavers, provision for adults with disabilities, as well as a possible site for businesses to boost our local economy and more besides.”
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