The new HQ plans
The big idea!
We are excited to announce that the 5th Gosport Sea Scout Group took advantage of the quiet period over COVID lockdowns to develop plans for the HQ building and are taking steps towards securing our future.
In recent years, it has been agreed by the leaders and committee that the HQ, whilst structurally sound, needed to be updated to meet the requirements of current day Scouting and also to ensure it continues to be well maintained.
Having been built by our own committee and completed in 1980 to replace a Nissen Hut that was being used by the group, the HQ holds strong memories for many and has allowed hundreds of Scouts to develop skills and, more importantly, friendships.
With our sections at capacity and our leadership teams wishing to offer more amazing opportunities to members, the HQ needs to evolve to fit our current needs.
Why upgrade?
The HQ has not had any major upgrades since it was built over 40 years ago. Each section are finding that more teaching and activity spaces would assist the programmes on offer, improve safety and safeguarding of young people in addition to supporting members with special needs.
In addition, we need improved storage areas for our sections and committee, plus all equipment we have for our camping and boating activities. Alongside this, two new doors will replace the ageing front and fire escape external doors, making the building more secure and improving a safer access points for all.
Our current position
The process has taken several years, but the executive committee and leaders are now at a stage where plans have been drawn up and planning consent approved.
Alongside this, two new doors will replace the ageing front and fire escape external doors, making the building more secure.
What will we improve?
Take a look at our building plans here and see more detailed information including updates below.
Galley
We are looking at replacing the existing kitchen and reorganising the space to enable better access for cooking activities for all sections.
Toilets
The Male and Female toilets will be removed with unisex full height cubicles installed and the addition of a wheelchair friendly accessible toilet, which can also act as the leaders/adult toilet during sessions where youth are present.
Wardroom(s)
The existing Wardroom will be retained but become a teaching space and extended by knocking through both the current store and male WC. A new folding partition will enable us to create either 1 or 2 teaching areas as needed. Storage will be provided in these rooms for each section.
An additional wardroom/teaching space will then be formed by knocking through from the exisiting main hall to existing boat store. This will give us 5 teaching and activity spaces!
Storage
New stores will be created next to the new teaching space to provide a dedicated area where fundraising items can be stored and also space for tables and chairs.
Boat store
A new build extension will form an extended area for us to store and maintain all our trailers and boats in addition to providing space for camping equipment.
Garage
Our little garage will be moved along and sited next to the extension to provide storage for gardening equipment and trailers that are used for camps.
Bike racks
To help reduce our carbon footprint and encourage healthy living we are looking to install a number of bike racks for use by our members at any HQ session.
Parking
We are still unsure on how we are going to move forward with parking and we would love your suggestions.
How can you help?
We are lucky to have many skilled parents and family members within our group and we’d love to support local business where possible. If anyone thinks they can help with this project then please drop Allan Davey an email at gsl- 5thgosport@gosportscouts.org.uk with details on how you can support us.
We have been fundraising for several years towards this project and whilst we will be applying for grants and match funding schemes in the near future, we still need your help. So if anyone can help with skills, time, grant or fundraising ideas, energy or know someone who can then please do let us know.
We have been very fortunate to have some dedicated people to help with fundraising at events such as Collingwood Open Day, St Michaelmas Fayre and Stubbington Fayre as well as some generous donations.
Please remember to Gift Aid your subscriptions as this helps us hugely. Subs only pay for activities and ongoing running of the HQ, not improvements.