Abbotts Barton & Hyde Development Proposals

Every young person in Abbotts Barton and Hyde who wants to be a Beaver, Cub, or Scout, should be able to do so.

For many years this has not been possible. Young people in the Ward - those lucky enough to win a rare place - have had to travel to other Scout Groups across Winchester.

In January 2014 we changed all this. We opened 2 new Beaver Colonies to seed a new Scout Group - the 6th Winchester (Abbotts Barton & Hyde) Scout Group.
 

Our Development Strategy: Our Own Home

If there is demand we could open a third Beaver Colony for January 2017. We could then offer 36 new places every year to 6 year old Beavers, and grow to 360 young people over time.

Just like most other Scout Groups we need our own home to protect our new Group for the next 80 - 100 years. This requires a large building on a site appropriate for 21st Century Scouting.

First steps. 

The best building plot is the derelict land in Hillier Road / Nuns Walk opposite the football ground.

But we need the support of the local community before we can approach Winchester City Council for a long lease. Why? Because there are other possible plans for this site. This new building that includes community use won't happen without your support.
 

Next steps. 

Click opposite on the Measuring Support icon to find out more. Look at our provisional plans. . We have secured signatures in support of the Scout proposals from 57% or 422 doors leafleted. We still had 203 doors to revisit but at that point Officers indicated that we had made a point and further signatures were not needed.

These would involve community use of a modern purpose-built 600 square metre building when not used by Scouts.

This could be a win - win - win: for local community, for Scouts and for Winchester City Council. But we are running out of time for a new building and long-term home if we are to provide the local community with what it says it wants.

After 2.5 years, growth is on track with 80 young people and 38 adults.

Click on the 6th's necker below to find out more about the Group.