Court Farmhouse will be the new headquarters for The Ernest Cook Trust. ECT will provide regular summarys of progress on the conversion work, which QPC will publish here.
JUNE 2023
Work should be getting underway in September to redevelop Court Farmhouse, Quenington, and turn it into a new headquarters for The Ernest Cook Trust.
Planning consent has been granted by Cotswold District Council, and the Trust is now working with the council to satisfy the required pre-start conditions. There will also be a minor amendment requesting permission to reduce the size of the private terrace at the rear of the property.
A site manager is being recruited to oversee the works, and at the end of the summer the Trust will also be looking for local tradespeople to help with the renovations. The work will take around 12 months, and the Trust hopes to move in during autumn 2024.
Court Farmhouse was bequeathed to The Ernest Cook Trust by The Frank Gollins Charitable Trust. The project entails the redevelopment of the existing house, garage and stable block; terrace and external works; and reorganised parking space within the existing courtyard at the front of the house.
When complete, it will provide open-plan offices, meeting rooms, boardroom, toilet block and staff rest areas. The aim is to create a location conducive to collaborative working for the charity. An options appraisal is underway to determine the future of the current headquarters in Fairford.
The Ernest Cook Trust is a UK-wide educational charity which creates outdoor learning experiences for children, young people and their families, on its own estates and with partners across the country. The Trust’s vision is for an environmentally engaged society with stronger connections with nature.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Smith, Maintenance & Construction Manager at the Trust by emailing estates@ernestcooktrust.org.uk and look out for ongoing updates on the Quenington Parish Council website.