Work has started to create new facilities at a popular community farm.
A new classroom, toilets and a teaching kitchen will be built over the next few months at the former derelict farm site in Radipole.
The work is expected to be completed in the autumn. The work is expected to cost £230k, paid for by council funds as well as two grants totalling £100k.
Cllr Jon Orrell, Mayor of Weymouth, and Chair of Full Council which gave the go-ahead for work to start on site at its last meeting, said: “A range of different people are referred to Tumbledown.
"From people with learning difficulties who visit to learn about planting different vegetables and herbs to giving opportunities to those experiencing homelessness who, working with the Lantern Trust, tend to one of the community grow spaces and learn new skills like gardening and also get to enjoy working outdoors which can help improve mental wellbeing.
“There are also several volunteer days held on-site where community-minded individuals come together to give some of their time to helping to enhance the site. Having these new facilities will mean Tumbledown is able to open its doors to more people so, it’s great that work has started on site.”
The footings for the new building have already been completed and the block work is underway. The beams have been delivered to the site and will be on in the next week or so ready for the modular timber framed building which will be delivered soon after.
The construction period will be for approximately 12 weeks, and commencement on site will be at the beginning of August 2024.
The new building complements the existing facilities which include the swallow barn, a small, multi-purpose space used for teaching and hospitality for volunteers, staff and visitors.
Construction is now underway due to external funding approved by Weymouth Town Council.
These include a grant of £85,000 from Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) and £15,000 secured from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund which supports improving facilities for local communities and residents.
Tumbledown is a 27-acre former farm owned by Weymouth Town Council which is being developed into a community asset that produces and sells local fruit and veg and supports people with volunteering and learning opportunities
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here