Improvements to Stepney City Farm were officially unveiled on Saturday as it reaps the benefits of investment secured as part of the Crossrail project.

The funding has allowed the farm to open two new buildings, and is part of a deal to allow Crossrail to use some of the farm’s land for the construction of the tunnel set to link East and West London.

The buildings were opened by Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, and included classrooms and space in which to sell produce from the farm.

Jessica Hodge, who is the farm’s director, said: “We’re delighted to have these wonderful new facilities. It’s an exciting time for us and our local community as the Farm goes from strength to strength in all we have to offer.

“These new spaces will allow even more people to enjoy and learn from this important and much-loved Farm”, she added.

The opening attracted a crowd of more than 700 people, with activities ranging from helping build new beehives to taking in a jazz concert.

Mr Rahman said: “I am pleased to be opening the new buildings at Stepney City Farm which have created a stronger than ever farm.

“As a local authority we are working closely with Stepney City Farm and Crossrail to help minimise the impacts and maximise the benefits for the local community during Crossrail’s construction phase.”

The 30-year-old farm, which attracts around 3,000 visitors each month, reached the agreement with Crossrail in order to allow for the construction of an underground cavern in which the two eastern branches from Shenfield and Abbey Wood will meet.