Award-winning early years operator, MiChild, has agreed the lease on the former Little Angels Nursery premises in Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire.

This expansive bungalow property, which previously operated as a children’s day nursery, was recently part refurbished to provide childcare for up to 66 children.

It is situated in a densely-populated borough on the Fylde Coast, occupying a convenient, roadside position in an established residential area.

The owner of the property and now landlord, Anthony Tasker, had obtained planning permission for a loft conversion extension to the building, which will accommodate an additional playroom, staffroom and toilets.

This offers the new tenant scope to increase the operating capacity of the nursery in the future.

Following a sales process with Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, the vacant premises has been leased by MiChild, which now has 14 nursery settings across the North West of England.

Adam Sage, chief executive at MiChild, said: “It was obvious from the first time I viewed the nursery and met with Tony, that this would be an excellent strategic fit for our other settings in the nearby area.

“It is a beautiful nursery and provides a great opportunity in a thriving area and we have already embarked on an extensive refurbishment programme and will be ready to open shortly after Easter.

“Little Thornton is the first new addition to our group for over four years and represents our desire to now accelerate our growth plan and continue to add quality nurseries to our portfolio.”

Beck added: “Given that this was a vacant day nursery, we were able to list it non confidentially, which attracted an unprecedented level of immediate interest from the market.

“This highlights the growing demand for vacant premises that have been, or can be, converted into nurseries.

“It appears to be a popular choice for operators who prefer to develop their nursery organically and align it with their existing settings or group.”

The vacant day nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.