Agent appointed to sell surplus university properties

Commercial property consultants OMEETO has been appointed by the University of Derby to handle the sale of several of its surplus properties in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

The firm will work alongside Tim Garratt, of Blackstar Advisory, in the disposal programme, which includes a number of properties in Buxton.

The university joins OMEETO’s portfolio of retained clients, which includes Bolsover District Council, whose properties for sale include a diverse range of office, workshop and industrial properties across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Set up in 2020 by Chris Wright, who has more than 25 years’ commercial property experience, OMEETO is also working for Entain plc whose brands include household names such as Ladbrokes and Coral – handling the disposal of retail premises throughout the Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Chris said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside Blackstar Advisory and to utilise our extensive contacts and in-depth knowledge of the commercial property market across the East Midlands to support the University of Derby with these sales.

“There have already been several early expressions of interest for the properties and prospective purchasers can contact us for further details.”

Tim said: “I have worked with Chris over many years and am delighted to be doing so again.

“I have acted for the university for nearly 25 years, so have an in-depth knowledge of them and these properties.”

Andrew Bevan, interim director of estates at the University of Derby, said: “Following a formal tender process we were delighted to appoint OMEETO to handle the sale of these properties.

“We were impressed with Chris and the team’s extensive experience, strong local focus and rich network of property professionals and believe they are the right company to deliver the results we need.”