University takes wraps off deal to buy sports park and theatre from Nestlé

The purchase of the land to the north of Nestlé, which includes playing fields, a bowling green, tennis courts and allotments and was bought in parts between 1912 and 1915, was disclosed yesterday alongside news that the art deco theatre, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010, would also be changing hands.

A Nestlé spokesman would not confirm how much the two sites were acquired for.

The CEO and chairman of Nestle UK and Ireland, Paul Grimwood, said: “On the 150th anniversary of Rowntree’s, we are delighted to entrust the legacy of the sports park and the theatre to York St John University. The sports park is one of the best sporting facilities in the city and the university is in a strong position to not only maintain this high standard but to enhance it further for existing users, the local community and students.”

The Joseph Rowntree Theatre was built by the Joseph Rowntree Village Trust, now the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, as a venue to provide quality, reasonably-priced entertainment for the people of York.

It is run by the Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd and staffed by more than 150 volunteers, and is the venue of choice of more than 30 local performing groups.

The theatre’s managing director, Dan Shrimpton, said: “The Joseph Rowntree Theatre Ltd has spent the last 11 years transforming the venue into a state-of-the art performance space.

“We look forward to working with York St John University and are delighted that the future of the theatre as a fantastic venue for the community of York has been secured.”

York St John University contributes an estimated £51m annually to the city’s economy.

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