MALVERN’S MP Harriett Baldwin has called on a Government minister to intervene to end controversial legal proceedings between a further education conglomerate and Malvern Hills District Council.
The West Worcestershire MP met with Education Minister Robert Halfon on several occasions in the last month to update him on the deadlock on the negotiations to buy the Malvern Hills College site from Warwickshire College Group.
This leaves the risk Two public sector organisations will end up in court over a covenant to protect teaching at the historic site on Albert Road North.
Warwickshire College Group closed down the site in 2021 despite a willing bidder coming forward to take the building off their hands.
The rescue package is now backed by both Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council and Mrs Baldwin has met with senior Government ministers to urge them to help bring about a fair resolution – and avoiding costly legal expenses.
“A court date has been fixed but it must surely be time for Warwickshire College Group to come back to the table and do a deal,” she said.
“I think most people will agree it cannot be in the best interests of either party, or the taxpayer, for this to end up in court and with a fair bid on the table, I hope the group’s management will finally do the right thing.
“I am saddened Warwickshire College Group have rejected my offer of mediation and the chief executive and a succession of chairs refused to meet to discuss a sensible solution.
“I am grateful for the continued support of Government ministers and hope they will be able to insist on a compromise which benefits both parties and the Malvern community.
“We all hope a sensible deal can be done which allows Malvern Hills College to return to full operation under new owners and the team can start to market courses to local people.”
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.”
