Brogdale Farm, home to the National Fruit Collection, is to receive a £1 million facelift in a bid to enhance the site for visitors and existing businesses, underpinning the Collection’s long-term future in Faversham, Kent.
The investment is being made by Hillreed Land, a commercial investor and owner of the 150-acre farm, and will see the creation of a new plant and garden centre. Existing buildings will be turned into small shop selling local produce and crafts.
The move comes as the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is inviting offers for the management of the National Fruit Collection.
Hillreed Land chairman Tony Hillier said: “The National Fruit Collection is of tremendous importance, attracting a wide range of visitors from the academic, scientific and horticultural communities. The living collection also attracts a huge number of amateur gardeners and enthusiasts every year.
“We want to create a memorable day out for everyone visiting the farm and enable a sustainable future for the living collection at Brogdale Farm.”
The investment will be delivered in two phases, the first starting in April 2007 and seeing the refurbishment of the public areas and existing buildings. Phase two will see the construction of the new plant centre and other visitor facilities, including a restaurant and a shop.
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