The private education organisation behind the purchase of historic Kneller Hall is hoping it will be transformed and open as a new school by September 2023.

The chairman of Dukes Education, Aatif Hassan, admitted this is an optimistic timeline and will depend very much on the planning application process going smoothly.

Mr Hassan said he plans to hold talks as soon as possible with the MP Munira Wilson, along with councillors and officials from Richmond Borough Council.

The historic building, which is the former home of the Royal Military Schools of Music, has been the training base for generations of musicians dating back to the reign of Queen Victoria.

Dukes Education intends that the building and 29 acre site will be transformed into a new Upper School for the private school, Radnor House, which operates from a site in Cross Deep, Twickenham. The Cross Deep site will be retained for younger pupils.

Mr Hassan said he envisages the majority of pupils to come from Richmond and Twickenham, where the take-up of private education is already among the highest in the country.

"Being a secondary we want that to continue with a substantial number of pupils walking or cycling to the school. Pupils will also come from neighbouring boroughs close by," he said.

An original masterplan for the site, drawn up by Richmond Borough Council, envisaged it being split into three parts – the building and immediate surrounds; an area set aside for housing; and a green open space that would become a public park for Whitton.

Mr Hassan's organisation has bought the entire site for an undisclosed sum for the use of the school, its pupils and the local community.

There are no plans for any housing on the land, while it is hoped that the green space will be used as playing fields for the new school, which will have access opened up to the local community.

Mr Hassan said the heritage of the building will be reflected in the new developments, saying: "Music and performing arts are a core aspect of Radnor House's holistic education with a well-rounded and wide curriculum.

"The outdoor bandstand and music practice hall will hopefully be retained with young people having drama productions in them."

In an interview with Nub News Mr Hassan said: "Kneller Hall was sold by the Ministry of Defence as a single site. After a formal process, Dukes Education was successful in the purchase of the whole 60,000 square foot site including a main building and separate barracks.

"The purchase also includes 29 acres of land over the site. Part of the site is Grade 1 listed and it's heritage is phenomenal with a wonderful history.'

"As a former solider and local, it's a site that I know well. It's been a place of learning and therefore, from both a planning and structure perspective, it lends itself well to continue to be a place of learning in the guise we hope."

It had been suggested that the magnificent building might have been turned into housing or, potentially, a hotel.

Mr Hassan said: "There were rumoured alternative uses and there could have been many other uses. We felt it would be a wonderful place to inspire generations to come.

"The land which is in-between the site and the stadium is perfect for sports. It's a wonderful opportunity for not just Radnor House, but also the whole community.

"The site has been guarded with barbed wire and restricted access, but now there's a chance to open it up to the community subject to planning."

On the future of the green spaces on the site, he said: "All options open. We are keen to engage with young people and ensure as many people as possible get access to green spaces. We are actively looking at opportunities to give access to the community.

Asked when it will open, he said: "It is early days. We have only just started the process and concept that we want. We need to engage with our teachers on what a world class education looks like; engage with pupils and parents to get the views of youth and the families; and engage with community groups, councillors and the MP.

"There are many months of planning to go. We envisage, based on a rough estimate, that optimistically we could open by September 2023.

When asked about the potential size of the student body, Mr Hassan said: "There are 450 children at Radnor House. The number at the Upper School will be determined by the outcome of the planning process."

At this stage, it is too early to say whether the school will accept boarders along with day pupils.