SECURING the closed St Mary’s School near Shaftesbury has cost Dorset Council more than £10million.

Despite the council not revealing what the site may be used for, the council leader has assured the purchase of the school is “a significant investment”, and “a very exciting chance to create something new that will greatly benefit our community”.

Ideas and future services for St Mary’s could include providing a space for children, individuals with disabilities or local businesses, but an upcoming consultation will bring residents and stakeholder groups together to discuss possibilities for the site.

Stuart Jones of Savills, who led the sale on behalf of BDO, described St Mary’s as “undoubtedly one of the most prestigious schools to become available in this way”.

Mr Jones confirmed the site, comprising around 55 acres of grounds, is to become “a community asset”.

Commenting on the sale, Simon Girling, joint administrator to St Mary’s School, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the sale of this heritage building to Dorset Council.

“In doing so it has not only ensured the best outcome for the creditors of St Mary’s Shaftesbury School Trust, but also that the facility remains in community use.”

The school, which closed with immediate effect in June last year, was bought by the council for £10.05million, excluding taxes and fees.

The authority said “opportunities to secure sites like this for Dorset are very rare”, and leader Spencer Flower added: “This is a significant investment and I am pleased that we have been able to secure it for the benefit of our community.

“We are always looking at ways of improving the delivery of services and this successful purchase will help us achieve that.

“We are very ambitious for the site. It is suitable for a broad range of services and community uses, which could include provision for Dorset children, supported living for our Dorset care leavers, provision for adults with disabilities, as well as a possible site for businesses to boost our local economy and more besides.

“We are committed to working with local people and stakeholder groups to get the mix of activity right so together we can achieve great things for this site and our community.”

The council added that details of the consultation and how people can get involved are being drawn-up and will be shared shortly, so a final decision, reflecting feedback and views made, can materialise.

“I realise people are asking how can we afford it, but this is a clear example of investing to save in the longer term,” Councillor Flower added.

“I don’t want to pre-empt any decisions about the site, as we want to work with local people and groups first, but I can say that building a facility like this from scratch would cost considerably more.

“This is a unique opportunity and a very exciting chance to create something new that will greatly benefit our community.”

During a Shaftesbury Town Council meeting last week, Cllr Tim Cook told members his request to join the steering group had been approved.

He added that residents can contact him regarding their feelings and concerns about the site purchase.

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