Future of Holt Hall secured

Norfolk County Council has agreed to sell Holt Hall to Gresham's School for educational use. The property was put up for sale following a decision made by councillors in 2020 that the site which was running at a £270,000 loss and needed £600,000 maintenance to continue operating, would no longer be used by the County Council to provide outdoor education, and would be sold.

Cllr Greg Peck, Cabinet Member for Commercial Services and Asset Management, said: "We're pleased not only to secure market value for the site, but also that the sale will help create local jobs and bring benefits to the local economy and community. This was the best bid on the table and I welcome the fact the sale is to a local educational establishment and major employer in North Norfolk."

Douglas Robb, Headmaster, Gresham's, said, "The school is delighted to have been able to secure the purchase of Holt Hall. The site lies on our boundary and allows us to further develop our educational facilities benefitting both our pupils and the wider community."

Cllr John Fisher, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "We are pleased with this decision that builds upon a strong working relationship between the County Council and Gresham's. We look forward to supporting them, as they develop their offer at Holt Hall."

Further information

The sale price is currently commercially confidential, however will be made public after the sale completes.

Any receipts will go towards the Council's Capital programme, which funds a number of activities across the county, such as the development of new SEND schools.

The bid from Gresham's School was one of a number under consideration by the County Council, following news in July that NCC would not be proceeding with an original deal to another bidder. The names of the other bidders will remain confidential.

Holt Hall was used by fewer than three percent of Norfolk's children each year. The service was running at a three-year deficit of £270,000 and required £600,000 of maintenance to continue operating.