Grant funding from Lichfield District Council is helping a rural business bring a new on-site bakery to life at the historic Thorpe Estate in Thorpe Constantine.
The estate has been awarded £50,000 through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support the transformation of one of its heritage buildings into a new bakery space. The bakery will be occupied and operated by Silver Tree Bakery, with plans to welcome customers from Friday 3rd April 2026.
The funding has supported essential improvements to the building, including roof works, new windows and doors, and the installation of thermal insulation. These upgrades help preserve the historic character of the building while improving its long-term sustainability and energy efficiency.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund, which is government-funded, is designed to support micro and small businesses, encourage greener and low-carbon farming practices, and enable the conversion of rural buildings for new commercial uses.
By introducing a food and beverage offering on site, Thorpe Estate aims to create a vibrant new destination for local residents and visitors, while also providing a new outlet for Silver Tree Bakery’s artisanal produce.
I’m delighted that we have been able to deliver a Rural England Prosperity Fund grant for this development.
The funding is helping to breathe new life into a building with a focus on heritage preservation and sustainability, while creating jobs and encouraging rural economic growth. I wish Silver Tree Bakery every success. – Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change
We’d like to thank Lichfield District Council for its support. This grant has been a catalyst for our vision, allowing us to invest in high-quality, sustainable materials that respect the history of the estate while ensuring we are prepared for a greener future. We can’t wait to welcome the wider community from April 2026. – Tristan Lillingston, Director at Thorpe Estate
We’re incredibly grateful to Lichfield District Council for their support through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and to Thorpe Estate for welcoming us into such a special setting.
This project perfectly aligns with our values around craftsmanship, sustainability and community, and we’re genuinely excited to bring Silver Tree Bakery to Thorpe Estate and become part of its future from April. – Kirk Bick, Founder of Silver Tree Bakery
Thorpe Estate is a 2,500-acre working estate focused on sustainable farming, conservation and rural diversification. The REPF forms a key part of Lichfield District Council’s wider Lichfield 2050 strategy, supporting the creation of prosperous, resilient communities by encouraging entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth.
