A COLLEGE campus has gone on the property market and is expected to be used for housing.

Gateshead College is selling its Durham Road site so it can move to a £42m site at the Baltic Business Quarter Gateshead Quays. The move is due for completion in 2007.

David Cheetham, Gateshead College principal, said: "The college values its history on the Durham Road Campus where we've been able to make a real contribution to the lives of people, organisations and the borough as a whole.

"It's our vision for whatever takes our place to have the same positive impact. This is definitely something we will be considering when reviewing the applications.

"The college has worked together with the council and agent to put together a development brief for the site.

"Our vision is to seek a developer who can deliver a high-quality housing development. We will work closely with all to make sure that whatever replaces the college is to the benefit of the community and Gateshead."

Property agent Knight Frank is selling the ten-acre college site, which has views overlooking the newly refurbished Saltwell Park.

It is now looking for potential developers.

Nicola Osborne, partner at Knight Frank, said: "At this early stage, we are exploring a variety of possible uses for such a large site and are asking for interest from developers.

"The sale of the existing college site will enable staff and students to move into state-of-the-art facilities in one of the most vibrant and accessible parts of Gateshead."