The education and charities team of global property consultancy, Knight Frank, has completed the sale of The Old Palace of John Whitgift Pre-school & Preparatory School in South Croydon to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

The 4.6-acre freehold site, which has been sold at a figure in excess of the guide price, will be repurposed into an education and community hub.

The extensive property features notable Edwardian architecture, which has been extended over the years, complemented by various other developed buildings across the grounds.

The site also provides a large playing field, three hard-surfaced games courts, and additional hard-standing areas.

BAPS, now the new owners, are known for operating the iconic Neasden Temple in north-west London, and will establish a new community presence at the site.

Its plans include upgrading existing facilities, improving parking infrastructure, and making the sports gym, assembly halls, classrooms, and outdoor spaces available for community use.

A significant portion of the site will also be dedicated to SEND services, with BAPS actively engaging specialist operators to deliver high-quality academic provisions.

Dr Mayank Shah, a trustee for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said: “We are excited to invest in, and secure the future of, this site, restoring its role as a place of learning and community spirit.

“For many years, we have supported our members and local communities through our programmes, and this new space allows us to expand our services and create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.”

The property is situated within a mile of East Croydon railway station, which provides direct services into central London in under 25 minutes, as well as a nearby tram stop providing connections to local national rail stations including Wimbledon to the west and Beckenham to the east.

An abundance of open spaces are also within the local vicinity, such as Coombe Wood Garden, the Addington Hills, and Croham Hurst Woods.

Emma Cleugh, head of the education and charities team at Knight Frank, said: “We are so pleased to have completed the sale of this significant educational asset.

“The site’s excellent location and extensive facilities presented a unique opportunity and we are thrilled to see it will continue its legacy of serving the local community through education and social initiatives.”

Roisha Hughes, chief executive of John Whitgift Foundation, added: “We are very pleased to confirm the sale of the former site of Old Palace prep school to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).

“The decision to close Old Palace senior and prep schools was an exceptionally-difficult one, but we are pleased that the new buyer will be using the site for educational and community use.

“BAPS already has a presence in Croydon and we wish them the very best in their new base in Melville Avenue.”