Council to ‘Market Test’ Future Use of Burchatts Farm Barn

Published on: 16 Mar, 2017
Updated on: 16 Mar, 2017

Burchatt’s Farm Barn – Photo Mandy Millyard

Guildford Borough Council is exploring options for the future of Burchatts Farm Barn, at the Burpham end of Stoke Park.

In a market-testing exercise, expressions of interest are being invited for leasing the Grade-II listed Georgian venue.

Cllr Geoff Davis

Cllr Geoff Davis (Con, Holy Trinity), lead councillor for asset management, said: “We endeavour to balance the needs of the community with our aim to provide more efficient services. As part of this, we must ensure our assets provide good value for money. This is why it is important that we review how we operate places such as Burchatts Barn to make sure they are run in the best possible way for the future.

“Burchatts Barn has been used for event hire for private functions and has supported some major events on the park such as National Armed Forces Day. More recently, however, these bookings have reduced, affecting the economic viability of the building for the council. So we are exploring and assessing the options for the future of the venue, and the market-testing is the first step.”

A council press release stated: “Essential to the process will be ensuring the future of Burchatts Barn, and how it will continue to complement our largest and most popular green space, Stoke Park which attracts over 750,000 visitors a year. This is part of the council’s long-term planning for the borough.”

Cllr Richard Billington

Cllr Richard Billington (Con, Tillingbourne), lead councillor for rural economy, countryside, parks and leisure, added: “The future of Burchatts Barn must continue to enhance Stoke Park, an important and highly valued recreational facility and part of Guildford’s landscape, for the benefit of local residents and visitors to the borough.”

Chartered surveyors Owen Shipp have been hired to obtain expressions of interest for leasing the building, for non-residential use, which will be evaluated by the council.

Information about hiring Burchatts Farm Barn can be seen here.

Responses to Council to ‘Market Test’ Future Use of Burchatts Farm Barn

Hon Alderman Mary Lloyd-Jones Reply

March 17, 2017 at 12:00 pm

When, as Mayor of Guildford, I opened Burchatts Farm Barn in May 1990, I felt very proud that Guildford Borough Council had had the historic building so beautifully restored. I thought of it as being one of the Borough’s most historic and interesting assets.

I am disappointed to hear that it is not being used sufficiently. It is a wonderful venue for small conferences, weddings, parties, etc.

I do hope that, whatever the outcome of the market test, the Barn will still be available for hire to the general public. I had my 70th and 80th birthday parties there, and had hoped to celebrate the next milestone there too, if I get that far!
Samantha Carter Reply

April 5, 2019 at 6:40 pm

I would absolutely love to live somewhere like this with my two girls.

I would love to run a community service and open the doors to welcome all. I would aim for starting groups and activities such as:
– lots of different age playgroups and youth groups,
– mummy/daddy groups,
– pain management groups,
– family fun days.

It would be lovely to have some farm animals and even open as a basic farm or petting zoo in for Guildford.