THE Children’s Adventure Farm Trust has announced plans to build a contemporary new wing at its Millington site, along with a significant refurbishment to improve its facilities.
The changes, revealed in last week's Warrington Guardian, will enhance the accessibility, safety and functionality of the farm which has not had any alterations made to it in 18 years.
The proposed development includes the renovation of the farmhouse, a Grade II listed building, securing its long-term future.
Nick Montague, a trustee at the Children's Adventure Farm Trust, said: "The changes are in place to improve the experience for the children.
"It will not impact on the running of the farm and we will still cater for groups and families while work is carried out.
"We are really excited about the plans - they will improve the flow of the adventure farm, making it easier for children to move around the grounds in a contained new site."
The charity provides free holidays, day visits, fun days and Christmas parties at its 10-acre site for disabled, ill and disadvantaged children from across the north west.
It has evolved from modest beginnings in the early 1990s to now supporting more than 3,000 children per year, all provided through the fundraising efforts of the charity and their numerous supporters.
The accommodation has developed organically over the years as and when funding has been made available.
The charity now wants to improve the facilities for visiting children to make their experience even more enjoyable, while continuing to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all visitors.
A new wing is also included in the blueprints which will provide new and essential inclusive access as well as flexibility to meet the needs of a wider range of disadvantaged children.
This includes a new state-of-the-art sensory room to replace the existing popular facility and larger spaces for arts and crafts and dining.
The farm will also benefit from new accommodation.
Despite the extension, the adventure farm will not be expanding its intake of children – the focus is solely on enhancing the experience at the farm and to secure its long-term future.
Following consultation with the community, neighbours and members of the parish council, the charity submitted a planning application to Cheshire East Council earlier this month.