On behalf of National Air Traffic Systems (NATS), CBRE has today completed the sale of the former College of Air Traffic Control site at Bournemouth Airport to Parkfield School, one of the new generation of Free Schools. A variety of alternative uses were considered for the eight acre site with 93,000 sq ft of buildings, which previously housed NATS training and research functions. Given the building’s existing educational background, purchase by Parkfield School, which had spent some time looking for a suitable site, means that it will continue to have education as its core function. The school plans to relocate and be ready for September 2015.
NATS College of Air Traffic Control was founded in 1937, moving to Hurn in 1949. For over 60 years it provided air traffic control training for all the UK’s air traffic control officers, as well as training facilities for Commonwealth and foreign governments, until it was relocated to a new purpose built facility in Swanwick in August 2011.
Commenting on the sale, John Macleod, NATS’ Senior Estates Surveyor, said:
“Although this sale marks the end of an era for the old NATS College buildings, we are delighted that they will continue to be used as an educational facility. The College site will allow Parkfield School to cater for all of its needs, with a variety of existing classrooms, offices and catering block as well as space to develop a new Nursery and other outdoor facilities.
CBRE Associate Director, Emma Lockey comments:
“This is a great opportunity for Parkfield School to establish a much needed education facility in a building that was originally designed as an educational centre. We wish them every success for the future”
Parkfield School Principal, Terry Conaghan commented:
“Parkfield School is delighted that the Education Funding Agency has purchased the former NATS site on our behalf and that it will now be the permanent site for the school from September 2015.
“Parkfield School opened in September 2013 in an old 8 storey office block in the centre of Bournemouth with nearly 300 children aged from 4 to 14. It will eventually have nearly 800 students from age 4 to age 19 and possibly a nursery on site too. The staff, parents and children are really looking forward to our relocation to the site.”
Jason Webb, Agency Director at Jones Lang LaSalle added:
“We are happy to have helped secure a permanent site for Parkfield and think that this eight acre former training facility will make an excellent school.”