CBRE has been appointed by Jesuits in Britain to sell a priests’ college in W8.
King’s Gardens is a 2.7-acre site concealed behind the doors of Heythrop College on Kensington Square.
The 400-year-old college, which has been in its present location since 1993, educates men preparing for ordination for the Catholic priesthood and those already engaged in ministry in the Catholic church and in other religious institutions.
Last year the college announced it would close in 2018.
The site comprises six buildings that offer the potential for a major redevelopment into homes, offices or retail.
Peter Burns, executive director at CBRE, said the site could appeal to some of the city’s artisan developers who “appreciate character, heritage and distinguished locations”.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to open up an unknown corner of Kensington to provide a new and refined development that will be attractive to local residents, business and institutions.”
Stephen Power, treasurer for the Jesuits in Britain, said: “I understand that Heythrop College incurs a significant financial deficit each year. The financial reality is that as a small institution, within this highly competitive higher education environment, with the costly regulatory demands, it cannot continue it its current form.”
Proceeds from the sale will be used to support the future work of the Jesuits in higher education.
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