30 year lease proposal to secure future of Mudchute Park and Farm
Tower Hamlets Council is set to approve a proposal at its Cabinet meeting on 24 March to grant the Mudchute Association a new 30 year lease for Mudchute Park and Farm, one of London’s largest and most cherished urban green spaces.
If approved, the agreement would provide long term security for the 32 acre site until 2055, recognising its significant social, educational and environmental value to the borough.
A vital community asset for Tower Hamlets
Mudchute Park and Farm welcomes around 250,000 visitors each year, offering rare countryside in the heart of a densely populated urban area. The site provides award-winning conservation work, a local nature reserve, outdoor education for more than 10,000 local children annually, year round childcare, volunteering opportunities and free public access.
The proposed lease, would give the Mudchute Association the long term stability required to plan, fundraise and continue managing the site, which it has successfully operated since 1977.
It follows significant public engagement and a record-breaking petition of 6,583 signatures, the largest in Tower Hamlets’ history, demonstrating extraordinary community support for safeguarding the park and farm.
Sue Mortimer, Chair of the Mudchute Association Board of Trustees, said:
“We are grateful to see this 30 year lease proposal progressing to Cabinet and for the recognition of Mudchute’s enormous value to the community. The strength of public support—thousands of signatures, donations and messages—has shown how deeply loved this space is.
“A longterm lease would give us the foundation we need to protect our animals, our green space, and our education programmes for the next generation.
“However, we still face significant financial challenges as a small independent charity that does not charge for entry. We rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters, and ongoing funding will be essential to secure our future.”
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“We are fortunate to have outstanding community organisations like Mudchute Park and Farm, which provide invaluable services to residents of all ages. Through this landmark 30 year lease, we aim to give the organisation the long term stability they need to thrive. This proposal reflects our commitment to protecting spaces that enhance wellbeing, support families and strengthen our borough for decades to come.”
Supporting nature and biodiversity
As an RBST Approved Conservation Farm Park and Local Nature Reserve, Mudchute Park and Farm plays a key role in protecting rare breeds, improving biodiversity and maintaining vital habitats. The proposed agreement aims to ensure these ecological benefits are secured for future generations.
Financial considerations
While the proposed lease provides essential stability, it also introduces a new annual rental cost for the independent charity and for the Mudchute Allotment Society, which will begin paying rent for the first time. The Mudchute Association has emphasised that meeting these costs will require continued community support in the years ahead.
Posted on Wednesday 18th March 2026.
Any questions please email lease_questions@mudchute.org
