Posted on: Tuesday 23 July 2024
Cabinet members have today approved a decision to appoint a building company to begin work on the £3.7m redevelopment of Greenmeadow Community Farm.
The contract has been awarded to G Oakley and Sons following a competitive tender process.
Work is expected to begin on the multi-million-pound project in September 2024, with the farm due to reopen in Spring 2025.
Cllr Fiona Cross, Executive Member for Communities, said: “We are really pleased to be able to announce the award of the contract today.
"This marks the next step in the renovation, regeneration and re-opening of Greenmeadow Community Farm.”
Gay Coley and Susan Hill of Coley Hill consultants added: "We were set the challenge to secure a sustainable future for the farm, provide a vibrant community asset and a great day out for local families and visitors.
“Our design team has done a great job in developing plans that preserve the personality and heritage of the farm while updating the facilities to allow access for all. The award of the construction tender to deliver this design takes us to the next exciting phase of making this a reality.”
Last year, councillors approved additional investment for the redevelopment of the farm, which will include:
- a revamped Haybarn suitable for community events including weddings and parties
- a new all-weather indoor play barn with play equipment and a replacement outdoor adventure play area
- a new animal barn
- new and extended café
- an improved farm shop to promote local produce and suppliers
- attractive landscaping with woodland, trails and sensory paths
- improvements to the farm’s entrance and site accessibility.
An additional £1.56m grant was secured earlier this year to cover the cost of a new energy efficient heating system, alongside £173,418 match-funding from the council's climate reserve.
NOTES for editors
The farm was turned into a visitor attraction in the 1980s after having been a working farm for more than 250 years. It remains a working farm.