A statement circulated this week by the organisers of the Palmers Greenery Community Cafe in Broomfield Park, in Palmers Green.

Plans for the Palmers Greenery - a not-for-profit, volunteer led Community Café for Broomfield Park - moved a step closer to reality today as the London Borough of Enfield (LBE) issued an invitation for expressions of interest in the provision of a community facility in a disused park building.

This milestone marks the culmination of a year-long community project, initiated and led by local Palmers Green residents in association with the Friends of Broomfield Park.

The team has developed a robust business plan, engaged widely with local stakeholders, established a positive working relationship with LBE and secured the ring fencing of £35,000 to cover start-up costs from the Enfield Residents Priority Fund.  

The Palmers Greenery team welcomes the fact that LBE has invited expressions of interest. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate clearly and transparently that this innovative project is “win-win” for the council and community and how our plans will benefit Broomfield Park and beyond. We look forward to submitting our proposal and having it assessed on its social and financial merits.

All surplus generated by the Palmers Greenery will be re-invested directly back into Broomfield Park for park enhancing purposes. Friends of Broomfield Park Chair, Nigel Thorogood says ‘we are proud to support the Palmers Greenery. Its vision complements and enhances many existing park features including the Community Orchard, Conservatory and newly-installed ‘Green Gym’, as well as giving the community a greater voice and stake in the park.’

In line with feedback from extensive market research and also LBE’s own Food Strategy, the Palmers Greenery will be child-friendly and serve affordable, healthy and, where possible, locally-sourced food.

Palmers Greenery welcomes LBE’s willingness to embrace new ways of working collaboratively with the community. This project is a real opportunity for LBE to demonstrate that it is listening and responding to local people.

For further information or comment please contact
Sarah Cotton at thepalmersgreenery@gmail.com