Columbia Threadneedle aims to land £250m Dunsfold Park deal

One of the world’s most famous airfields and the home of Top Gear for almost two decades is to be sold to a US asset manager in a £250m deal. Trinity, the richest of Cambridge’s 31 colleges, put Dunsfold Park in Surrey up for sale this year. It is understood that Columbia Threadneedle has been selected as the preferred bidder after tabling an offer in the region of £200m, though it could end up paying as much as £250m for the site. Previous owner Rutland Group is thought to be one of those turned down. It has worked with Trinity to secure planning at the 654-acre site for 1,800 homes, with schools and shops, alongside the existing business park. The site has the potential for twice as many homes. The site is being marketed by Savills and Bidwells. The Times (£)