Nottingham City Council (NCC) has announced the insourcing of St Ann’s Allotments, bringing the historic site back under direct council management after nearly two decades under the stewardship of Hungerhill Developments Ltd (HDL).
The decision follows financial difficulties faced by HDL, which led to the organisation serving notice to terminate its lease agreement.
St Ann’s Allotments, a Grade II* listed heritage site, is one of the oldest and largest collections of urban allotments in the UK, dating back to the 19th century. The site, covering approximately 75 acres, has played a significant role in Nottingham’s history, providing local residents with green spaces for cultivation, leisure, and community activities.
HDL was established in 2007 as a special purpose vehicle to secure Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for a £4.5 million restoration project. The organisation was granted a 30-year lease by the council as part of this initiative. The lease agreement also included a financial contribution from the council to support maintenance efforts. However, a 2017 revision reduced this financial input while introducing increased rent and additional hedge-cutting responsibilities for NCC.
In recent years, rising costs, the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and broader economic challenges created operational pressures for HDL. In response, the organisation sought revised financial terms and a new business model that would allow them to continue operations independently. However, after extensive discussions, HDL opted to serve notice to break the lease, initiating a six-month transition period that concludes on 31st January 2025.
With HDL’s exit, the council reviewed three potential options:
- Providing additional financial support to sustain HDL’s operations.
- Finding a new third-party operator to take over the lease.
- Bringing the allotments back under direct council management.
The council determined that direct management was the most viable and sustainable option, avoiding ongoing financial burdens and operational redundancies. The decision includes the establishment of a dedicated revenue budget, a ring-fenced sinking fund, and a structured transition process.
“This decision ensures the long-term preservation of St Ann’s Allotments while integrating the site into our existing portfolio of green spaces,” said Councillor Sam Lux, Executive Member for Carbon Reduction & Culture. “It also provides stability for tenants and users of the site, ensuring that vital community spaces remain protected.”
The transition will involve the transfer of three existing HDL staff to NCC under TUPE regulations, ensuring their employment rights and pension options remain protected. The council has also committed to maintaining existing service levels while reviewing operational efficiencies.
Concerns regarding security and anti-social behaviour have also been acknowledged, with the council pledging to implement appropriate safety measures through its Greenspace & Natural Environment Service.
While insourcing is the immediate solution, the council has not ruled out exploring alternative operating models in the future. The aim is to maintain financial sustainability while ensuring the site remains accessible and well-maintained for local residents.
