The Barham Park Trust's financial reserves are set to be significantly depleted following the completion of essential building works, according to a report presented to the Trust Committee.
The Trust's annual report and accounts for 2025/26 revealed that while total income for the year was £141,766, expenditure reached £96,910. The Trust's cash balances at the end of March 2026 stood at £757,063, but this figure is expected to reduce substantially due to the costs associated with Phase 1 building works.
The approved budget for Phase 1 works was £352,221, funded from the Trust's restricted funds. The actual expenditure for these works, which focused on external fabric and maintenance including window and door replacements, roof repairs, and masonry work, totalled £298,011.08 including VAT. These works were completed within budget, but the report highlights that the Trust's reserves will be significantly impacted by these expenditures, with the report stating, The Trust's reserves will be significantly depleted after the completion of the year-one building works.
Beyond the approved Phase 1 works, a potential Phase 2 works programme is being developed to address additional building-condition priorities across the Estate. The anticipated scope may include further window replacements, entrance-door works, flat-roof renewal, additional masonry repairs, utilities tracing, electrical separation works, a fire compartmentation review, and internal repairs where damp, rot or damage has been identified. A Watts Building Survey identified £695,050 of necessary repairs over the next 10 years.
The total expenditure for the 2025/26 financial year was £96,910. This included costs related to building maintenance, insurance premiums, one-off essential tree works, and a Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) payment for the vacant period of Unit 8. This expenditure increased by £21,194 when compared to the previous year (2024/25), which totalled £75,716. The increase was mainly due to one-off essential tree works and NNDR costs for Unit 8.
The Trust received a total income of £141,766 for the 2025/26 financial year, derived from activities such as funfairs, rental charges, and interest earnings. Specifically, funfair income was £41,081 and property rental income was £84,769.
To address the long-term financial stability of the Trust, the committee approved formal consultation on a 2031 redevelopment vision for the park's buildings. Formal consultation on this vision is scheduled to begin in mid-2027. Key milestones before then include completing Phase 1 of tenant engagement, considering the impact of completed Phase 1 works, further required maintenance, and the Trust's financial position. The outcomes of pre-consultation and formal consultation will inform a business case for the Charity Commission. This consultation aims to seek approval from the Charity Commission to broaden the permitted use of these buildings, potentially introducing limited commercial activities to diversify income streams.
More information can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 08 Sep 2026 10.00 Barham Park Trust Committee.
