Home Startups & Entrepreneurship Former student returns to buy Wakefield College site

Former student returns to buy Wakefield College site

Adeem Younis with College principal Sam Wright

Wakefield College is pleased to announce the sale of its Thornes Park Campus to Wakefield-based, award-winning humanitarian charity Penny Appeal. Founded by local entrepreneur and former College student, Adeem Younis, Penny Appeal will unveil plans for the site in the coming weeks.

College Principal, Sam Wright said: “We are delighted to have agreed the sale of the Thornes Park Campus to such a fantastic charity and one with a strong community focus. Adeem’s time studying at the Thornes Park Campus, left a lasting mark on him, and I’d like to think we helped shape him into becoming the successful businessman and entrepreneur he is today.

“We are extremely proud of what Adeem has achieved and are delighted we have secured a deal that benefits all parties involved. We look forward to working with Penny Appeal during the transition period. Plans are well underway and on schedule for the refurbishment of the former Registry of Deeds building, as well as the formation of the Creative and Digital Arts Centre at the City Campus. I’m certain the facilities at the Thornes Park Campus will be put to great use by Penny Appeal.”

Commenting on the purchase, Adeem Younis added: “I know the value and power of local investment, I am a product of it. As a businessman and humanitarian, I credit much of my success to my time at Wakefield College. Just as Wakefield invested in me, Penny Appeal is investing back. The Medina (simply meaning city or town), will be a unique landmark that represents a long term multi-million-pound strategy from Penny Appeal into the infrastructure and all communities of Wakefield. This commitment will create jobs across the region and a sustained contribution to the local economy.


“The charity has a long list of strategic partners and renowned ambassadors who will engage with the new site,” continued Adeem, “these include The Baroness Warsi Foundation, Amir Khan Foundation and a number of initiatives linked to famous singer songwriter Yusuf / Cat Stevens.”