Seale-Hayne site is sold to Dame Hannah's

THE University of Plymouth has announced it has sold its Seale-Hayne estate in Newton Abbot to Ivybridge's Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

The trust, which provides care for young people with physical and learning disabilities, says it has 'exciting plans' for developing the 385-acre site.

It confirmed yesterday that the existing site in Ivybridge would not be closing as a result of the new purchase.

Bronwen Hewitt, chief executive of the trust, said: "We're delighted to be continuing the long and proud tradition of education at Seale-Hayne.

"We'll be creating a vibrant space which will have a variety of activities, encompassing an arts centre, assistive technology unit, training and conference centre, music facilities, day and outreach services, small farm and shops.

"The estate will also be used to provide short breaks and holidays for disabled children."

The site was home to the university's agricultural campus for more than 13 years until the university decided to centralise its academic activities on the main city campus.

The university's director of learning facilities, Martin Berkien, said: "This is the best possible outcome for both the university and the local community.

"Seale-Hayne's educational legacy is an important part of the fabric of South Devon and we are delighted to be able to give the local community the reassurance it has been hoping for that this legacy will now continue long into the future.

"Under the ownership of the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, Seale-Hayne will play an important part in the lives of the children it will now seek to serve as well as the local community that it has always sought to serve."