Feasibility study into the scope for developing a centre for local food - a showcase for local producers combined with an educational resource.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Somerset Food Links is currently engaged in creating a centre of excellence for the local food sector in the county. This centre will provide a showcase fro the range and quality of food and drink which is produced from the varied and unique landscapes of the county.
The key aims for the food centre are:

• To celebrate Somerset's food culture and heritage
• Support for local food businesses including the provision of workspace  for small food producers
• Provide a catering facility which will also act as a training centre for chefs and carry out educational work with young people
• Demonstrable links between landscape, environment and food
• A distribution hub and retail outlet for affordable fresh produce from Somerset

Initially this project focused on some redundant historic model farm buildings at Barrington Court, near Ilminster (owned by the National Trust), and  was developed by a partnership of Somerset Food Links, the National Trust and Somerset County Council. A feasibility study was carried out, which included detailed costing's and plans, and a business plan looking at sustainability of the centre.

However the costs of the extensive renovation did not justify full redevelopment at this site and Somerset Food Links is now exploring the possibility of building a local food centre at the Royal Bath and West showground. Funding towards the production of a Business Plan to develop this have been provided through Somerset Rural Renaissance as part of this project.

www.foodlinks.org.uk