23rd July 2026 ❘ Burnetts' News
Our Commercial Property Team Supports UK-First Sustainable Nursery Development for kinderzimmer (UK)
Our Commercial Property team is proud to have supported its longstanding client kinderzimmer (UK) on the development of its pioneering new nursery setting at historic Ockford Mill in Godalming, Surrey.
The new setting, kinderzimmer Godalming, marks the group’s tenth nursery and represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s continued UK expansion. The project is believed to be the first hydro-powered nursery in the UK, using an innovative micro-hydro power system to harness energy from the naturally flowing weir surrounding the mill to sustainably power the setting.
Located within two acres of natural woodland, the nursery combines heritage, sustainability and modern early years education in a truly unique environment designed for children aged three months to five years.
Vishav Roma, CEO of kinderzimmer UK, said:
“Burnetts have supported us since our first nursery opened in 2023, and the Commercial Property team’s guidance on Ockford Mill was, as always, excellent. It’s a partnership we value greatly as we continue to grow.”
kinderzimmer Godalming: A UK-First Sustainable Nursery
Set within the restored Ockford Mill site, the nursery has been designed to create an exceptional early years environment that places sustainability and outdoor learning at its heart.
The new nursery will feature:
- Five large, light-filled playrooms designed around children’s age and stage of development
- A dedicated play garden with a viewing platform overlooking the lake
- Extensive woodland grounds designed for forest-school-style learning and outdoor exploration
- “The Mill” dining room and kitchen, encouraging children to develop an understanding of food, nutrition and healthy eating habits
With capacity for 144 children, the nursery reflects kinderzimmer’s “one-child-fits-one” ethos and commitment to delivering innovative educational environments.
Vishav continued:
“Reaching 10 organic settings is a milestone moment for the business, and the Ockford Mill has been a passion project of mine for the last two years.
“To finally be able to bring this forward and realise our grand plans for a hydro-powered, sustainable nursery is incredibly rewarding. It represents not just growth, but our deep commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and creating exceptional early years environments that lead the way in the sector, to be enjoyed by families for generations to come.”
Melanie Mewton, Head of Nursery at kinderzimmer Godalming, added:
“Opening kinderzimmer Godalming is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring something truly special to families in the area. Our team is passionate about nurturing independence, exploration, and wonder in every child, and this setting allows us to do that in ways that honour both nature and the heritage of the mill.”
Legal Support for Complex Nursery Property Acquisitions
Sophi Al-Tikriti from our Commercial Property team acted for kinderzimmer on the exchange of a conditional agreement for lease, subject to a variety of conditions including the provision of planning permission.
The team also advised on the Licence for Alterations required for the extensive fit-out works being undertaken at the property, helping support the transformation of the historic mill into a modern, sustainable nursery environment.
Sophi, along with Helen Hayward and Rebecca Collihole regularly act for kinderzimmer UK and continue to work closely across its growing property portfolio, advising on acquisitions of leasehold interests for nursery settings, exclusivity agreements, proposed works and associated commercial property matters. Our Banking and Property Finance team also supports the group as part of its continued expansion strategy.
Joe Wheeler, Head of Property & Construction at kinderzimmer, said:
“Restoring Ockford Mill and transforming it into a sustainable, future-focused early years environment has been a remarkable project.
“The introduction of the micro-hydro system represents a bold step forward in eco-responsible nursery design, and the landscape surrounding the mill provides a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature every day.”
A Landmark Early Years Development at Historic Ockford Mill
The opening of kinderzimmer Godalming follows wider recognition for the group within the education and childcare sector.
Its sister setting, kinderzimmer Amersham, was recently named Early Years Project of the Year at the 2026 Education Property Awards. The group has also celebrated recent success at the NMT Awards and is currently shortlisted for Nursery Operator of the Year at the EducationInvestor Awards.
The Godalming project highlights the growing demand for specialist legal advice in the childcare, education and commercial property sectors, particularly where developments involve complex acquisitions, heritage buildings, sustainability considerations and significant redevelopment works.
Supporting Growth Across the Childcare and Education Sector
Our Commercial Property team advises clients across a broad range of sectors on acquisitions, disposals, development projects, landlord and tenant matters, licences for alterations and property finance.
We regularly support businesses undertaking complex property transactions and redevelopment projects throughout the UK.
Find Out More About Burnetts’ Commercial Property Services
You can find out more about our Commercial Property services here or if you’d like to speak with one of our Commercial Property solicitors please get in touch and we can arrange that for you.