IT has been announced a college in Berkeley has sold off its science and technology campus for more than £6.5 million. 

South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College has sold the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park to Chiltern Vital Berkeley Limited, a subsidiary of Chiltern Vital Group.

The Berkeley site was formerly one of the first civil nuclear power stations in the world.

The site first began producing electricity in 1962 and was eventually shut down in 1989.

It is understood SGS Berkeley Green UTC has not been sold as part of the agreement.

According to officials, the 40 acre site will be redeveloped for a new type of nuclear technology, known as a "super cluster".

The laboratory site was previously saved from demolition in 2016 and then converted into a science and technology park by SGS.

The government will soon announce a provider to develop small modular reactors at the site, SGS says. 

The news comes after the nearby Oldbury nuclear site was bought by Great British Nuclear earlier this year.

(Image: South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College)

SGS CEO Kevin Hamblin said: “We are delighted that CVB can now invest in the site to support research, development and skills training around new nuclear, AI and low carbon businesses. 

“With the close proximity to Great British Nuclear’s Oldbury site it will create a low carbon ‘super cluster’ over the next decade. 

“CVB and their partners will bring significant new investment and work opportunities for the region; and for SGS it will mean the college plays a very prominent role to support the teaching of new skills for many years to come.”

Chris Turner, Chief Executive of the Chiltern Vital Group added: “SGS have been exceptional custodians of the park, maintaining its reputation as a centre of excellence for education and skills training. 

“Key to the regeneration of Berkeley will be the provision of nuclear-centric education and skills training.  

“With news of the government’s SMR selection process expected shortly, GBN has identified that the UK will need approximately 150,000 new nuclear trained employees over the next decade.”

Berkeley nuclear power station under construction in 1960 (above) and before opening 1962 (below)  (Image: Magnox)