Community farm saved in South Gloucestershire
A deal has been struck to secure the long-term future of a cherished Bristol community farm.
Grimsbury Farm in Kingswood will be taken over by a not-for-profit organisation with the reins handed over on a 25-year lease from South Gloucestershire Council, which has been losing £260,000 a year on the attraction.
A decision posted on the authority’s website said cabinet member for corporate resources Cllr Adam Monk (Labour, Filton) approved the decision, although the new operator has not yet been named.
The search for new bosses to run the farm began in February last year after cabinet members agreed its ‘unsustainable financial position’ meant major changes were needed to keep it open.
A preferred bidder was identified last September, since when negotiations have been ongoing into the lease terms, operational responsibilities, and any required financial support.
A report to Cllr Monk said: “The proposed arrangements for Grimsbury Farm comprise a 25-year lease to a not-for-profit operator on a peppercorn rent, conditional upon compliance with an accompanying service level agreement.
“The heads of terms set out that the council will let approximately 20.8 acres of land and associated buildings at Grimsbury Road, Kingswood, with the tenant assuming full repairing responsibilities, including maintaining the buildings, boundaries, paths and fences, insuring the property against risks throughout the term.”
The amount of financial support from the local authority to the new operator has not been disclosed.