Former Oakwood School, Coombe Road, Croydon, CR0

The Opportunity

• School for sale freehold with vacant possession
• Existing floor space of approximately 26,630 sq ft GIA
• Site extends to approximately 4.6 acres (1.86 ha)
• Currently benefits from a license with the London Borough of Croydon to occupy an additional c.6 acres of sports pitches
• An exciting educational development/refurbishment opportunity, with the opportunity for a change of use (subject to the necessary permissions)
• Last occupied by an independent school educating pupils from age 3 – 11

Description

Oakwood school represents a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold property in a desirable and secluded south London location. It presents either as a refurbishment opportunity for continued educational use or for alternative uses and development, subject to the necessary consents.

The Property is freehold with a mix of buildings of varying ages, architecture and construction. The main building, Coombe House, formerly known as Geoffrey Harris House, is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1761.

The Property is set within an abundance of green space, nestled within Lloyd Park and the Addington Hills giving the immediate locality a rural and spacious feel.

The site benefits from a generous provision of outside space, with mature gardens and a private MUGA pitch located in the northern part of the site. The freeholder additionally benefits from a license with the local council for use of an adjacent area of Lloyd Park, utilised as sports pitches.

Historical context

The property is believed to have been originally built in the 17th century as a residential home, ownership has changed hands several times with notable owners until Frank Lloyd's death in 1927. A decade after Lloyd's death, the house had become a convalescent home for army officers. Following the war, the house was used as St Margaret's School for handicapped children (1946-85) – the first school in the country for children with cerebral palsy. An extension was constructed between 1942 and 1954.

From 1985 Coombe House was a residential care home for those with mental health and learning difficulties within the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This was renamed in 1988 after Dr Geoffrey Harris, a consultant at St Lawrence's Hospital for the mentally handicapped in Caterham, who died in 1987.

As of 2013 the house has been a school. Firstly, The Cedars School, an independent secondary school for boys. The school vacated the campus in July 2021 with Oakwood School taking up residence as an independent primary school. The building is currently vacant.

The Property is located just to the north of Coombe Road (A212) and the Tram Line. Located within the London Borough of Croydon, the site is approximately 10 miles to the south of central London. Croydon town centre sits to the north-west, offering a vibrant and diverse urban area known for its mix of commercial, residential and cultural amenities while also being subject to major regeneration projects over recent years. Plans for continued investment in Croydon seeks to boost its status as a key economic and cultural hub within Greater London.

The open parkland of Lloyd Park is located directly adjacent to the property. This 114-acre park includes additional facilities to be enjoyed such as rugby and football pitches, bowls, tennis courts, café and areas of mature woodland.

The town centre serves as a major transport hub, with railway stations offering quick connections to central London, Gatwick Airport, and beyond. South Croydon railway station, located approximately 1.5 miles west of the property, provides direct access to London Bridge in approximately 20 minutes. East Croydon railway station, approximately 2 miles northwest of the property offers direct routes to London Victoria (16 minutes), London Bridge (14 minutes), and Gatwick Airport (15 minutes). Coombe Road offers convenient access to the A23/M23 and A24, both of which connect to the M25 at junction 7 and 9, respectively.

Distances and times are approximates taken from Google Maps.