The City of London Corporation’s listing for the centre says it offers “a unique commercial opportunity to establish a new destination at the core of this renowned woodland”
Volunteers who have run the Epping Forest Visitor Centre for more than a decade are being kicked out as the City of London Corporation seeks new tenants.
The Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT), formerly known as the Friends of Epping Forest before a merger with the Epping Forest Centenary Trust, has managed the centre at High Beach on behalf of the Corporation since 2014.
The Trust’s volunteers staff the centre three days a week, providing advice and guidance to visitors wanting to enjoy the historic woodland.
The Corporation, which manages Epping Forest as a registered charity, has however recently published an advert in which it reveals it is seeking new tenants to take on the “former” centre.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation said the Trust had offered the keep the building open on a “temporary basis” following the new visitor centre opening in Chingford some years ago, and that they are “grateful” for the volunteers’ support.
The EFHT was approached though declined to comment.
According to the listing, which is being managed by estate agents Knight Frank, the centre offers “a unique commercial opportunity to establish a new destination at the core of this renowned woodland”.
Potential uses listed include as a restaurant or a wellness centre, with the site’s connections to the M25, A11 and A12 highlighted.
Applicants are encouraged to submit business plans that are “sympathetic” to the forest, with the location noted as drawing around 11 million visitors annually. A deadline to file proposals is given of 12pm on June 22, with the successful applicant to secure a 15-year lease.
The listing states: “The City of London Corporation is seeking proposals that are innovative, commercially viable, and demonstrate how the business will complement the Forest, enhance the visitor experience, and support High Beach as an inclusive and welcoming destination.
“Uses must be accessible, add value to the local community and Forest users, and align with the Corporation’s long-term vision for the site. Potential uses include food and beverage, outdoor leisure and wellness, and community-focused enterprises.”
A Corporation spokesperson said: “The High Beach Visitor Centre was replaced by a new Visitor Centre at Chingford many years ago. Following that move, the Friends of Epping Forest, and later the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, kindly offered to keep the building open on a temporary basis while the future of the site was reviewed.
“The centre has continued to operate with the dedicated support of volunteers. We are very grateful for their work there and for the support they give to Epping Forest.
“The future use of the building is now being considered through an open tender process, and the current operators are welcome to apply. We are particularly keen to hear from organisations that can provide a sustainable, full‑time use that benefits visitors and complements the surrounding landscape.”
The publication of the listing comes several months after the Corporation awarded four north London cafés to Aussie-inspired operator Daisy Green. The cafés, which include premises on Hampstead Heath and Queen’s Park, were put up for tender last year against fierce local opposition.
While four went to Daisy Green, one, Highgate Wood, went to Cosmin Stuparu, who previously ran the Golders Hill Park site.
Hoxton Beach, which manages three of the premises, has refused to leave and has launched a legal challenge contesting the awarding of the contracts.
Critics have claimed the moves are part of the Corporation’s wider shift in the way it funds its green spaces, which they fear will see assets pushed to deliver greater profit.
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