Guernsey Press

Fearful for Farm's future

A LONG list of obstacles will have to be overcome if any new operator of the Strawberry Farm is to make it a profitable business, a former tenant has said.

Published

Ken Smith, who was involved in the former tourist attraction, pictured, for around five years before it closed, has spoken of the difficulties he encountered when he tried to run it.

And although he wished to see the site operated successfully in the future, he questioned whether it was possible.

'From the time I had it, I tried every conceivable way of trying to make it a success,' he said. 'But there were just far too many obstacles in the way.'

One of those obstacles involved liquor licences, he said.

The farm's licence had been limited to just 11pm – a restriction that stopped Mr Smith from putting on many events because organisers would want the bar open until at least 11.45pm.

It was residents in the area, he said, who opposed the licence being extended any further.

'The other thing is everything has to be tourist or craft related. You couldn't make money in the winter and the money you made in the summer would not cover you for the whole year.

He added that Tax on Real Property on the horticultural site had also increased dramatically when he was in charge, from around £1,500 a year to £7,500.

'I would love to see it be successful and I wish those who take it on all the luck in the world,' Mr Smith added.

Even with periods of reduced rent or free rent, Mr Smith said he would have just about broken even.

The Strawberry Farm, which has now been renamed as St Saviour's Farm by its owners, The Fuller Group, has been left empty since it closed in 2008.

The group now has permission to develop a new attraction on the site and is looking for someone to run it.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.