LeSoCo, the new institution formed by the merger of Lewisham College and Southwark College, has confirmed that its Bermondsey campus in Keetons Road will close at the end of the academic year.

“We can confirm that we have exchanged contracts for the sale of our Bermondsey site within the London Borough of Southwark,” said a LeSoCo spokeswoman.

“This supports our plans to develop two 21st century college hubs: one in each of the London boroughs of Southwark and Lewisham.

“The sale of Bermondsey will enable us to invest significantly in our sites for the benefit of our learners.

“We are pleased that learning will continue to be delivered at Bermondsey with the development of a free school.”

The Compass School still plans to open on part of the college site but most of the land will be redeveloped for housing, scuppering hopes that a university technical college (UTC) to teach vocational skills could be established on the campus.