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Parents fight to save nursery sold to Premier League club

Tolu AdeoyeLondon
BBC A single-storey brick building featuring Tudor-style black-and-white timber framing on its gables. A white wooden fence surrounds a patio area along the front, and a paved walkway runs alongside the building across a grassy lawn under a clear blue sky.BBC
Bright Horizon's New Beckenham nursery is due to close in December

Hundreds of parents have signed a petition in an attempt to save a south-east London nursery from closure in December after it was sold to a Premier League club.

The site at New Beckenham - owned by HSBC and home to local sports clubs including a cricket club - has been purchased by Crystal Palace Football Club, whose academy complex already borders the area.

Parents were informed of the sale through a letter from Bright Horizons earlier this month.

The childcare provider said it is "committed to working with families through this transition", and HSBC said it would provide support to those affected.

Eleanor Farrow, who has a child at the nursery, said: "To suddenly be told that the nursery's closing in two months is just really horrifying, in terms of trying to find a replacement nursery place that is feasible for getting her there each day."

Alex Nelless, another parent, said she was "terrified" upon receiving the letter.

"Scenarios are running through my mind of having to ask my work for reduced days, and then the implications that would have on our finances," she said.

A medium portrait of a woman with long light brown hair wearing a dark grey, long-sleeved dress and a pendant necklace. She stands outdoors on a sunny day with a green field, trees, and single-storey buildings behind her.
Eleanor Farrow says she would struggle to find a replacement nursery

Victoria Cosby added that there is "almost zero availability" for nurseries that take children for a full day, warning she may have to drop work or take a long leave of absence to look after her daughter.

More than 600 people so far have signed a petition calling on HSBC, Crystal Palace FC, and Bright Horizons to work together.

Laura Middleton-Gueard explained that families want the parties involved to "agree to an extension up to at least the summer" to give the community more time to find suitable alternative childcare.

A medium close-up portrait of a woman with dark shoulder-length hair wearing a white high-collared blouse with a blue floral pattern. She is standing outdoors on a sunny day in front of an expansive green sports pitch with soccer goals and trees in the background.
Victoria Crosby says she may have to reduce her working hours if childcare can't be found

A spokesperson for Bright Horizons said: "Following the sale of the site, we have been informed that our current agreement will come to an end and we are continuing discussions to understand the implications for the nursery and the families we support."

They said constructive talks have been held with Crystal Palace regarding keeping the nursery open until at least the summer of 2027. Places for those affected could be available at neighbouring Bright Horizon nurseries.

"Our focus remains on supporting our children, families and colleagues while we work through the next steps and keep families updated as more information becomes available," the spokesperson added.

A spokesperson for HSBC said: "We continuously review our estate to ensure it best meets the needs of our colleagues and customers. We are working with those based at the site to help provide support."

The bank said it will also remain in contact with the sports clubs that use the site.

Crystal Palace FC has been asked for comment.

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