A Cambridge theological institute has unveiled plans to move premises after its current building was sold to Queens’ College.
The Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology (MBIT) will move out of 12-14 Grange Road in September, temporarily moving to Wesley House, Jesus Lane, where it was first established in 1993.
Its current premises was put up for sale at the end of last year and has now been bought by Queens’ College to provide additional accommodation space during refurbishment and decarbonisation works at its main site.
The sale was agreed by Savills, who was marketing the property with a guide price of in excess of £5 million.
As well as a three-storey Edwardian house, the Grange Road site also includes a chapel, a detached coach house and extensive gardens. It is used by the MBIT to provide specialist education and open learning opportunities for both individuals and groups.
Anna Abram, principal of the MBIT, said: “As has been well documented, the Covid pandemic forced several institutions such as the MBIT to rethink their operational models.
“The institute used this challenge as an opportunity and has developed a new Sustainable Future Plan in order to ensure our educational offer, pastoral outreach and research continue to flourish and grow.
“This year the institute is celebrating its 30th anniversary and we have a rich programme of events planned, which includes opportunities to bid farewell to the Grange Road site.
“We will of course be sad to say goodbye, but the sale ensures we can move forward with confidence and futureproof our continued aim of providing theological education and support for all ages.”
Richard Janes, head of development at Savills Cambridge, said: “The property in Grange Road occupies a prime location within easy reach of the city centre. It’s just a ten-minute walk to the Sidgwick site of Cambridge University and is close to a number of the colleges, as well as the university’s West Cambridge Site.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to play a role in safeguarding its future use, as well as helping the MBIT to progress its plans for this year and beyond.”
A representative from Queens’ College said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of the purchase of 12-14 Grange Road from the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology.
“This space will enable us to provide suitable accommodation for our students while we carry out essential decarbonisation works, as part of our Environmental Plan, at the Silver Street and Owlstone sites.”
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