A long-standing Darlington nursery, the second oldest in the country, has been put on the market - but council chiefs have confirmed the building lease is "protected"

The George Dent Nursery School has been an “institution” in the town for more than 100 years, caring for thousands of children from its home on Elm Road. 

However, the building has now been put up for sale for £475,000, described as having “significant development potential” by agents Carver Commercial. 

The site is currently let to Darlington Council for the Ofsted outstanding-rated nursery, which looks after children between the ages of two and five and, as of March 2024, had 126 pupils. 

The council - who are almost two years into a five year lease, due to expire on December 24, 2027 - has confirmed that the lease is protected as a Business Tenancy, putting to rest fears about the short-term future of the nursery. 

Cllr Nick Wallis, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The council is aware that the freehold interest in the property has been put up for sale. 

“However, the council’s lease is protected as a Business Tenancy with a right of renewal.

“George Dent is an outstanding nursery, and we would not wish to lose this provision, especially with the government’s early years entitlements expansion.”  

The listing describes the George Dent Nursery as a “unique investment property”, consisting of a number of classrooms and breakout areas on the ground and first floors, alongside offices, stores and staff accommodation.

It also boasts a large conservatory and a covered patio on the first floor.  

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.

Externally, there are “mature and established” grounds at the front, extending to Woodland Road, which feature a lawn, woodland and various play areas. 

The George Dent Nursery remains a key facility in the town, and has continued to be ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted over the past two decades, with four full inspections since 2002 gaining the nursery the top score. 

Most recently, Ofsted inspectors described how “happy and enthusiastic” children “thrive” at the school, with parents “overwhelmingly positive” after the provision.