In addition to the £2.1million previously approved, councillors have today agreed an additional £1.64 million investment on redeveloping the Farm.
The additional investment will secure the farm’s future and will help turn the farm into a flagship regional visitor attraction, bringing in the increased visitors that will help make the farm’s finances sustainable and eventually end the council’s subsidy. This is fantastic news!
The forecast is that the farm will return profits from 2029/30 at which point visitor numbers are estimated to reach over one-hundred thousand people.
The total investment in the farm will now stand at £3,738,900 and the plans for investment will deliver:
- a revamped haybarn suitable for community events including weddingsand parties
- a new all-weather indoor play barn with hard play equipment and a replacement outdoor adventure play area
- a new animal barn
- new and extended cafés with soft play
- an improved shop to promote local produce and suppliers
- attractive landscaping with woodland and pollination trails and sensory paths
- a new dairy and education area
- improvements to the farm’s entrance and site accessibility.
This is the comment from Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen’s Executive Member for Communities:
‘The farm is much-loved and this investment will make it a premier visitor attraction in South-East Wales, and the flagship of our Destination Torfaen offer. It will repay the council’s investment and produce a surplus for future reinvestment to keep refreshing the offer to visitors.
‘The additional investment will also attract visitors to the borough all year-round with a real focus on the outdoor visitor experience which will meet the demand from visitors for more all-weather activity, authentic experiences with animals, time spent outside in nature and outdoor play.
‘The revamped haybarn will provide opportunities for weddings, parties and community activities, ensuring the farm continue to serve as an important hub within the wider community.
‘I know the decision facing members wasn’t straightforward given the financial climate in local public services, but these are really exciting proposals which support our County Plan to make Torfaen a thriving place to live and visit and it helps protect the borough’s rural heritage and open spaces.’
Unfortunately the farm will remain closed while the work is progressed and will reopen no later than April 2025.
The key milestones following the council decision are:
- Stage 4 detailed design commences – October
- Planning determination – December 2023
- Tender period from documentation preparation through to award – January 2024 to April 2024
- 9 month construction period – June 2024 to end of Feb 2025
- Staff training and mobilisation – early 2025