The sale of the largest single site in Derby for five years has been completed after Derby College disposed of part of its former Mackworth campus on Prince Charles Avenue to leading house builder, Persimmon Homes.

Persimmon Homes has purchased 15.7 acres of the former Mackworth College campus for an undisclosed sum after Derby College secured outline planning permission for 222 dwellings in October 2010.

The 20 acre site was put on the market as part of Derby College's accommodation strategy, which has seen recent consolidation on Pride Park with the Roundhouse and the Johnson Building.

The deal was completed by a team lead by Heather Dixon, property partner from Flint Bishop and commercial property agents, Rigby & Co, who acted as advisors.

Commenting on the sale, David Croll, principal of Derby College, said: 

"The sale of the Mackworth site is an important stage in our on-going Development Plan and will enable us to drive forward our refurbishment plans at other College sites including Broomfield Hall and the South East Derbyshire College buildings at Ilkeston and Heanor."

Russell Rigby, director of Rigby & Co, said:

"We are delighted to have concluded this deal for Derby College; at 15.7 acres, it represents the sale of the largest single site in Derby since 2005 and is a significant transaction for the Derby market.

"It will facilitate the further development of the area and investment in further education facilities."

Heather Dixon, property partner at Flint Bishop, added:

"As the College will be retaining part of the former Mackworth College campus, there were a number of complex issues that had to be resolved during the course of the transaction.  

"The pragmatic approach of both parties and their respective professional advisors enabled these issues to be resolved quickly and we're delighted it was completed in such a challenging market."