Old nursery site sale to be discussed by council

Proceeds from the sale of a former nursery school site in Derby could be reinvested, the city council has said.

Derby City Council's cabinet will consider proposals to sell the old Walbrook Nursery School site in Normanton at a meeting on 9 September.

The school is set to merge with Pear Tree Infant School, which is being rebuilt as part of the Department for Education's (DfE) £national School Rebuilding Programme.

If plans are approved, the council said it was looking to sell the site after the nursery closes at the end of October, adding money raised could "help fund improvements and additional childcare places".

The council said any proceeds "would be ring-fenced specifically for early years and childcare projects", adding local nurseries, schools and "eligible childcare providers" would be able to bid for grants.

It said the Walbrook site "is small, lacks parking, and has a backlog of maintenance needs, making it unsuitable for other council uses".

Paul Hezelgrave, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: "Good early years care gives children a strong foundation for starting school while helping parents balance work and family life.

"Reinvesting funds from this site into modern facilities means we can create additional places where demand is highest."

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