All or part of historic University of Gloucestershire campus, Francis Close Hall (FCH), could be sold or repurposed in the coming years, with the site in need of 'significant investment' to bring it up to date.
The university is considering a range of options for FCH and is inviting staff, students, alumni and local residents to help shape its future through public consultation.
It has appointed an agent to help assess the possible next steps, which could include 'leasing, selling, or repurposing all or part of the site', the university says.
It comes with the Cheltenham campus having a maintenance backlog of £14 million, with 'significant' investment needed to help it 'meet the standards of a modern university', including essential accessibility and sustainability works.
The historic campus was originally founded in 1847 by Rev. Francis Close as Cheltenham Training College, today serving as a home to the university's 'vibrant mix' of humanities, natural and social sciences and creative arts programmes, as well as its archive and the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI).
The university wants to reassure residents that no decisions have yet been made and that the voices of the local community will be 'central' to the process.
Two drop-in public engagement sessions have already taken place, with a third scheduled for Monday 14 January 2026 from 1pm till 3pm at Francis Close Hall.
People can also share their views via an online form on the University of Gloucestershire website.
