Finchley's College Farm Set for Public Reopening
Historic site closed since 2001 secures backing from Jeremy Coller Foundation for restoration and educational use.
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College Farm in Finchley, a local landmark closed to the public since 2001, is poised for a return as an educational and leisure destination. The College Farm Trust has secured financial backing from the Jeremy Coller Foundation, which aims to restore the historic site and its facilities.
A Rich History and a Frustrating Closure
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Established in the 1880s as a dairy farm for Express Dairies, College Farm supplied milk across parts of London. After Express Dairies departed in 1973, the site was converted into a visitor attraction with tea rooms and an exhibition. Chris Ower, who has been the tenant farmer for nearly 50 years, recalled the farm falling into disrepair after the company left. He and his wife, Jane, took on a lease in 1976, undertaking renovations and converting former milking areas into stables, eventually developing the site into a riding school.
The farm's closure to the public in 2001 was attributed to factors including the foot and mouth epidemic and the poor condition of many buildings, some of which contained asbestos. Chris Ower described the extended closure as a source of "great frustration".
Foundation Support and Future Vision
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Following over a decade of seeking financial assistance, the College Farm Trust has now received support from the Jeremy Coller Foundation. A spokesperson for the foundation stated that College Farm is an ideal location to demonstrate the foundation's work and educate the public, particularly young people, on sustainable farming practices. The foundation's founder, Jeremy Coller, has personal memories of visiting the farm and wishes to provide a similar experience for his grandchildren and schoolchildren.
The foundation's objective is to see the farm return to its former role, hosting school visits, rare breed animals, and community events. The Owers' agricultural tenancy will remain unaffected, and they support the reopening plans. The foundation acknowledges that the restoration, including the removal of asbestos and upgrades to Grade II listed buildings, will be costly, but they are prepared to invest substantial funds.
Next Steps and Resident Input
The reopening of College Farm is dependent on securing the necessary planning and heritage consents. The process is in its early stages, and no firm timetable or total cost estimate is available. The College Farm Trust plans to engage with local residents and stakeholders to gather input and develop a shared vision for the farm's future.
Questions this report answers
+When did College Farm last open to the public?
College Farm has been closed to the public since 2001. The farm was originally an Express Dairies site established in the 1880s and later became a visitor attraction before its closure.
+Who is providing financial support for College Farm's reopening?
The College Farm Trust has secured financial support from the Jeremy Coller Foundation. The foundation aims to restore the farm and use it for educational purposes, focusing on sustainable farming practices.
+What are the next steps for reopening College Farm?
The reopening is dependent on obtaining the necessary planning and heritage consents. The College Farm Trust will be seeking input from local residents and stakeholders as the project progresses through these procedures.
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