Parents fight to save nursery after sale to Premier League club

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.

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."

"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.

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 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."

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