Beaconside Sports Centre closure confirmed after Chinese sale

The university's Stafford site will officially be handed over to Chinese investors in November after they bought it in January.

They have already confirmed that the land will still be used for 'education purposes'.

The sports centre will close officially on July 31, but temporary changing rooms will be placed there for people to use its nearby all-weather pitch until June 2017.

There will be job losses as a result of the sports centre's move.

A university spokeswoman confirmed that it is expected to impact on a maximum of six full-time positions.

University programme director Steven Marsh said: "Some of our colleagues have secured positions at the Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre at our Stoke-on-Trent campus following last year's £1.2 million refurbishment.

"Others are seeking new challenges and the university is supporting them in doing this."

The university will retain its campus at Blackheath Lane, which is used by about 1,500 nursing, midwifery and professional health students.

The university said it will invest £4m on improving facilities in the town.

In January, the university's deputy chief executive, Margaret Monckton said: "Our legacy is important to us and the proposed uses for Beaconside are absolutely in line with that. It means that the site is retained for education and it brings a new international employer into Stafford.

"We remain committed to Stafford and are currently investing £4m in creating a self-contained centre of excellence for our highly rated nursing, midwifery and professional health courses at our Blackheath Lane site."

Staffordshire County Council had originally wanted to buy the campus and build a science and business park.

But despite their bid failing, the council's leader Councillor Philip Atkins welcomed the sale because of the opportunities it will bring.

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy also backed the plans.