The group purchased the Old Mercy Care Hospital in May this year and proposed plans for a trial group of international students by the end of the year.

Those plans have been pushed back as discussions continue with the group of Chinese investors.

He said he had just returned from Shanghai where fruitful conversations were had with potential Chinese investors.

“Never at any stage has it been off the agenda, it’s progressing,” Mr Medway said.

He said the group was working hard to establish a positive relationship with the investors.

Chinese investors are expected to visit Young mid-December, after which Mr Medway is confident negotiations will come to a conclusion.  

“Hopefully we’ll have a lovely Christmas present,” he said. 

“We do have Chinese representatives of the group in Sydney, generally I’m down in Sydney weekly sitting down with their representative.

“There’s quite a lot of dollars involved, not just in Young but we also have another city site.”

Mayor John Walker said council was giving the venture its full support. 

“We gave a letter of support [to the group] and said council is right behind them,” he said. 

“We’re just keeping in touch on how they’re progressing, what we’re offering is in principle support and that’s all we can do at this stage.”

Cr Walker said he was excited the venture was still on track and set to boost the town.

“Firstly, to see another education facility come to Young and to provide a practical use for the Old Mercy Care site,” he said.