The hut for the future
It is now time to look to the future and to ensure we have the right headquarters to continue providing the best Scouting experience possible for the generations to come.
...to this
3D renderings courtesy of Cryer & Coe architects and Airtight Group
Our existing hut
All scouting sections meet on a weekly basis at the Charity’s Headquarters; situated on Rozel Rd, Bristol BS7 8SJ. The existing building is believed to have been constructed in the early 1940s, with the intention to be used as a temporary facility for a limited lifespan.
The Group has been managing and maintaining the current building for around 60 years, and over the years has made improvements to the building. However in recent years, and particularly over the period of lockdown when the building was unused for over 12 months, the building has deteriorated significantly, and is approaching the end of its useful life. The building is fast becoming no longer fit for purpose.
The Group needs to continue to meet at the hut as, firstly, alternative community space is not available to the extent needed to provide the current level of service. In addition, modern Scouting at its best requires camping and adventure sports equipment that is not easily stored.
Strategically, the Group is well placed to offer Scouting to the surrounding community; a geographic move would be away from the young people we serve, many of whom currently walk to the hut. Other challenges presented by the existing building and site are:
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There is no level access for disabled users
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Higher operational costs driven by outdated services and lack of insulation
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The steep incline to the site makes vehicular access rarely possible when loading kit for camps
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Insufficient storage space
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Inadequacy of facilities for external usage
The above all hinder the Group’s ability to justify continuous expense and upkeep on the existing premises.
Our existing premises are no longer fit for purpose. The 62nd Scout Group have developed a brief for the redevelopment of the site in order to continue to provide Scouting to the community:
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To provide modern, accessible and practical facilities to accommodate scheduled section meetings, and to better manage the considerable equipment storage needs of the group.
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We would intend to extend the use of a redeveloped hut to other community groups in the locality, subject to suitable users, something not currently feasible due to the poor condition of the building. The building must provide the flexibility required to serve a diverse range of users.
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The development should be mindful of this, developing a solution that promotes diverse means of travel in order to aim to better the current traffic issues that can occur during weekday evenings.
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To develop an economically and environmentally sustainable headquarters, which will benefit from low operational costs.
The future hut
3D renderings courtesy of Cryer & Coe architects and Airtight Group
Layout drawings and 3D renderings courtesy of Cryer & Coe architects and Airtight Group
Opportunities
The delivery of the redevelopment will:
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Ensure that the 62nd can continue delivering Scouting to the community.
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Make good of connecting paths and site boundaries.
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Provide a renewed aesthetic appeal of new building and relandscaped site.
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Allow building availability and suitability for wider community usage.
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Provide accessible route onto playing field.
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Ensure that the current and future needs of the group are met.
Feasibility Design – Pre-Planning
In the summer of 2023, the 62nd engaged the architectural services of Cryer and Coe,
supported by Story Design. Equals Consulting were also appointed for project and cost management services. The 62nd’s brief was workshopped and developed by the team. The feasibility design process investigated a number of design options, however at the conclusion of the process, a scheme was agreed upon that best met the following design considerations:
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Making best use of the site – At present, the building is situated in the middle of the site, offering a number of unusable spaces around it.
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Minimising impact on neighbours – both in the building massing and design, however also during operation.
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Flexible usage to suit the needs of all users
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Improve upon current building. The group constantly struggle with adequate storage space, too few breakout areas and an insufficient kitchen to suit the typical number of occupants.
Steps to success
1. Feasibility Design – Completed
2. Project Launch – Ongoing
3. Project Fundraising – Ongoing
4. Design Development – To Follow