Greenmeadow Community Farm will reopen in the summer but visitors expecting to see the site transformed following a £1.7m investment will have to wait a bit longer after the council announced the plan was delayed.
At a council meeting in October 2022, councillors unanimously approved a £1.7m investment to transform Greenmeadow Community Farm into a ‘premier visitor destination for families in Gwent’. The work was due to take place during the farm’s annual winter closure but this week the council said the developers had told them it would be completed and ready for spring 2025.
The work includes:
- Linking two main barn and creating a single two-storey building to house a new coffee shop, bistro, licensed bar, soft play centre, education centre and function rooms.
- Building a new outdoor play area and zip wire ride.
Plans were unveiled to the public at an event in October, shortly before the farm closed for winter.
It will partially reopen to the public in the summer and stay while the major redevelopment work continues.
Cllr Fiona Cross, Torfaen’s executive member for children, families and communities, said: “The project is moving forward although significant inflation on construction materials has created cost pressures requiring further engagement over design and build with potential developers. These conversations are ongoing, but at this early stage in the project, and while we still have some flexibility in design, it is in everyone’s interest that we deliver our exciting aspirations for the farm within the budget previously approved by councillors.
“Planning agreement, as well as several surveys are still necessary for the next phase of the project, including a bat survey on the existing building which depending on the weather can only take place when the bats come out of hibernation in April or May. The results of this and other site surveys will determine more detailed plans which we’ll share once complete. Because of the changes, we’re advised by developers that the completion of the new facilities will be in spring 2025.
“We know the public are eager to revisit the new look farm and are excited by our vision for the farm, so we thank people for their patience. However, it is vital we get the end product right and achieve value for money at the same time. Reopening the outdoor spaces on the farm in the summer will allow the public to still enjoy the animals and the farm experience while work is ongoing.”
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