LOCAL people have said they would be willing to pay to visit Grimsbury Farm.
A total of 875 responses were received by South Gloucestershire Council when it consulted residents earlier this year on the future of the attraction.
Many said they would be happy to pay a nominal entry fee of £2 to visit and be charged more for added attractions such as interaction with the animals.
However, respondents stressed they wanted the facility to remain a local community asset rather than become too commercial.
A report on the consultation said: “It is clear from the engagement activity that local people have a strong emotional attachment to Grimsbury Farm and what it stands for. It is seen as part of Kingswood’s historical identity and a source of great pride. Many people completing the survey told us they had been visiting for many years, first when their children were young and now with their grandchildren.”
The report, which can be viewed online, will be used by the council, which is looking for a partner to run the farm. It says it has to find a new way of operating, as the farm is currently costing council taxpayers £250,000 a year.
As the Voice reported last month, Brandon Trust, which runs the café at the farm, has put in a bid.
The council says that expressions of interest have been received from a number of organisations, several of which are eligible to progress for consideration as a potential lead tenant. Those organisations have been asked to submit a full business case.
It says the next stage of the process should be complete by the end of the calendar year and it hopes to be able to announce the new operator of Grimsbury Farm by spring 2026.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities, said: “We know people are keen to hear about the future of Grimsbury Farm so we wanted to give an update on where we currently are, and also to thank everyone for their feedback and ideas, which have been central to the process of finding a new operator for the farm.
“We’re really pleased with the quality of the proposals that have come through from organisations expressing an interest in running the farm, and we now have to explore them in further detail before we can make any final decisions. We aim to announce the new operator by spring next year. We recognise that this is a long process, but we know how important the farm is to our residents, and want to ensure we get the best possible long term outcome for you… and in the meantime, the farm is open to visitors so please come along and enjoy all it has to offer.”