Foot Anstey advises South Gloucestershire and Stroud College on £6.5M sale of Science and Technology Park 

Transaction paves the way for a nuclear energy redevelopment and will support future low carbon innovation.

National law firm Foot Anstey has advised South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) on the £6.5 million sale of its subsidiary company, which owned the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park, to the Chiltern Vital Group (CVG).

CVG plan to redevelop the site for a new kind of nuclear technology.

Foot Anstey's involvement with the site dates back a decade, when the firm provided legal advice to SGS on the acquisition of the 40-acre site from a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The site, formerly used as laboratories for the nearby nuclear power station, had been largely underutilised since the decommissioning of the plant. SGS saw potential in the space and transformed it into a thriving hub for education and business.

The college's vision for the site was twofold: to create a new educational campus and to generate sustainable income through the leasing of its buildings. During SGS’s ownership, the College undertook a significant refurbishment of a large engineering hall to establish a cutting-edge centre for engineering courses. In addition, the College facilitated the construction of a new University Technical College on the site and provided flexible workspace for a variety of new businesses. Throughout this period, Foot Anstey supported SGS with legal advice on funding arrangements and lease agreements.

However, due to changes in funding models for further education institutions, SGS recognised the need for a new owner to take the site forward. In January 2024, after a comprehensive search, heads of terms were agreed with CVG as the preferred bidder.

Following a period of rigorous negotiations led by Foot Anstey’s Corporate and Real Estate teams, the sale was finalised on 21 August.

CVG’s vision for the site includes the creation of a low-carbon energy "super cluster," with plans to support the future deployment of small modular reactors. CVG intends to continue its collaboration with SGS by providing ongoing training opportunities at the site.

The transaction was overseen by Foot Anstey's Corporate team, led by Principal Director Karl Bradford, supported by Associate David Jones and Trainee Solicitor Giles Tidy. The Real Estate team was led by Consultant Richard Sutton, supported by Legal Director Robert Stangroom and Associate Cara Snow.

Richard said: “We're pleased to have advised SGS College on this significant transaction. The Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park has the potential to play a key role in the UK's low-carbon energy future, and we’re excited to see how it develops under CVG’s stewardship while continuing to benefit the local community.”

Kevin Hamblin, Group CEO of SGS College said: "We're incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park over the past decade. The site has become a vital hub for education and innovation, and this sale ensures that it will continue to develop and thrive under new ownership. Foot Anstey's expert guidance has helped us navigate this complex sale and we're grateful for the team's comprehensive support."