Council picks nursery operator over community group for heritage barn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 10:24 · Archive

Hertfordshire County Council has chosen the Curwen Group to operate Grade II listed Heath Barn as a nursery, rejecting a community group's bid.

Hertfordshire County Council has chosen the Curwen Group as its preferred bidder to operate Grade II listed Heath Barn in Hemel Hempstead. The council decided earlier this year to dispose of the site, which is believed to be one of Hemel Hempstead's oldest sets of buildings, having initially given community group Our Heath Barn a head-start to develop a bid.

Our Heath Barn proposed retaining the buildings for community use, with plans for a cafe, events venue, creative workshops, artist studios and a therapy and well-being suite. They also planned to use the outdoor walled garden for weekend markets and convert part of the property into homes. However, at an October cabinet panel meeting, officers recommended the Curwen Group, which intends to operate the site as a nursery.

Council officers pointed to the Curwen Group's track record in refurbishing heritage assets, the community benefit of providing nursery places, and the higher financial return to the council. Despite this decision, officers agreed to broker an introduction between Our Heath Barn and the Curwen Group to explore whether any community uses could be accommodated within the nursery's plans.

Council picks nursery operator over community group for heritage barn — Image: Hemel Gazette

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How it is being reported

Council backs plans to transform historic Hemel Hempstead building into nurseryA community group’s hopes of taking over Grade II listed Heath Barn, in Hemel Hempstead, have been dashed – after the county council named the Curwen Group as its preferred bidder.Hemel Gazette · 12 Oct, 09:41
Community group's hopes of saving 'hidden gem' from redevelopment dashedA community group's hopes of taking over Grade II listed Heath Barn, in Hemel Hempstead, have been dashed after the county council named the Curwen Group as its preferred bidder.Watford Observer · 10 Oct, 12:33

In this story: Our Heath Barn · Curwen Group · Hertfordshire County Council · Heath Barn · Hemel Hempstead

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