Alnwick Garden announces investment opportunity as part of plans to increase its year-round appeal

The venue attracts 350,000 people a year but there are hopes it will become a year-round attraction, bringing in an extra 250,000 visitors a year with the addition of Lilidorei, one of the biggest play structures in the world.

The retail charity bond will offer a fixed rate of 5% per annum, due 2030, to investors with the funds raised loaned to The Alnwick Garden Trust so it can further its charitable objectives and move forward with the development of the Lilidorei Play Village.

Mark Brassell, chief executive of The Alnwick Garden Trust, said: “We are deeply proud of the positive impact the Alnwick Garden makes on the lives of the thousands of people, old and young, that have enjoyed all it has to offer over the past 18 years, as well as the significant contribution that it makes to the local economy, as one of Northumberland’s main visitor attractions.

“Growing the Garden’s seasonal appeal together with associated revenue will support the charity in being able to fund more of our highly valued community programmes which help tackle issues such as isolation, loneliness, unemployment and mental health, which are so prevalent in today’s society.

“With this, we are excited by the potential of the Lilidorei Play Village, an all-weather attraction which, on completion, will be one of the biggest play structures in the world and will completely transform Northumberland’s highly seasonal tourism economy, substantially increasing annual footfall by around 250,000 paying visitors whilst creating multiple new jobs.”

The income generated by the Gardens enables the charity to deliver a range of community programmes that directly tackle isolation and loneliness, unemployment and exclusion, and support young people to make positive life choices and increase their chances of realising and achieving their aspirations.

Allia C&C is acting as Lead Manager on the issue.

The bonds have a minimum initial subscription amount of £500 and are available in multiples of £100 thereafter.

The offer period is expected to close at noon on March 20, 2020.

For further information go to https://www.alnwickgarden.com