OLD Swinford Hospital school has confirmed it is to acquire the Stourbridge College site.

The Feoffees of Old Swinford Hospital have today (Wednesday) announced that terms have been agreed with the Board of BMet College to acquire the whole of the Stourbridge College land and buildings in Hagley Road.

Malcolm Wilcox, chairman of the Feoffees, said: "Together with BMet College, we are delighted to announce this agreement after several months of discussions and negotiations. 

"The acquisition by the Feoffees will allow the School of the Foundation, Old Swinford Hospital, the opportunity to expand, a development welcomed by the School’s governors and the headmaster Paul Kilbride. 

"We shall also be working in partnership with Dudley Council who are supportive of our acquisition and school expansion as well as with other local stakeholders and providers to ensure the continuance of education on the Hagley Road site."

Cliff Hall, principal of BMet College, said: "We are very pleased to have worked with Old Swinford Hospital to enable the Foundation to purchase the Stourbridge College land and buildings.

"It is important for us that this acquisition has the backing of Dudley Council and many other stakeholders in the local community. Continued use for education has been secured and we wish every success to Old Swinford Hospital and their partners in this new chapter of the development of the site."

Margot James MP said she was "pleased" the site would remain for the purposes of education and she added: "I am continuing to work with local colleges to ensure part of the site is used for adult education and skills training and I am grateful to OSH for their support of this proposal."