Q&A with Alex Ringer, Property Director at Melrose Education
Q&A with Alex Ringer, Property Director at Melrose Education
Name: Alex Ringer
Role: Property Director
Who are Melrose Education?
Melrose Education is a company with a strategy of building an outstanding group of special education needs and alternative education schools in England. Our priority is to positively change education outcomes for every one of our learners. Our senior management team and teaching and support staff are dedicated to achieving this meaningful goal with passion and experience.
How many locations do Melrose Education currently have?
We currently have 10 schools and school 11 will open in the coming months
Target locations?
Sites appropriate for an SEND school. They do not need to be near main transport hubs but must be easily accessible by car /minibus.
Local Authorities of particular focus are detailed in the requirement flyer
How many new locations are you targeting?
There is no specific target. We just want to meet the needs of as many SEND learners as possible as there is such a deficit of provision across the entire country.
Size requirements?
7,000 - 10,000 sq.ft with a meaningful amount of outside space for playground, sports and parking. We will consider as small as 6,000 sq.ft in South East London and can be flexible on the parking and outside space there too.
Additional requirements?
We must have parking, outside space, accessibility, overall suitability for a SEND school
Planning consent?
F1 use (Experience achieving change of use as required)
Freehold or Leasehold?
Freehold is preferred but we will consider leasehold.
Recent openings or new locations in the pipeline?
We’re very excited to welcome learners to Allerthorpe School near York this week!
School number 11 in Dorset completes this week and will open in the coming months.
We have a healthy pipeline for the future but are always looking for other opportunities in our target locations.
Additional Questions:
What are the main challenges you face when acquiring new property?
Finding a property that will meet the myriad needs of our learners.
We want to create outstanding outcomes for all our students, in an environment where teachers and staff also thrive. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes!
Favourite occupier and why?
Nola Coffee – (www.nolacoffee.co.uk) as a lover of espresso I was thrilled they opened near me in Peckham. I can thoroughly recommend!
What is your favourite building?
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia. The way the structures look like bones rising out of the old riverbed is so captivating. It really gets your imagination going. Amazing setting and brilliant architecture in one of my favourite cities in the world.
Favourite retail or leisure destination?
I think I have to say Battersea Power Station. Seeing the transformation there over the last 15 years has been astounding.
Contact details?
Email – alex@melroseeducation.com
Tel - 07946104972
