THE arts college at Bretton Hall will shut in summer 2007, it was confirmed today.

Almost 1,000 students will be moved to new buildings at Leeds University.

Bretton Hall opened as a higher education college in 1949 and is now to be sold.

University vice-chancellor Prof Michael Arthur said: "We recognise the affection in which Bretton is held by generations of staff and students, but the site is no longer sustainable financially or academically.

"We believe this is the best decision for staff and students, and for the university as a whole."

The university is planning to build a new £1.5m theatre at its city centre campus, along with other facilities for arts students.