Dorset Outdoor Education Centre to reopen after 99 year lease signed
A community group's over the facility at Hengistbury Head
A Dorset Outdoor Education Centre is to get a new lease of life, after a new 99 year lease has been signed between a community group and BCP Council.
The Hengistbury Head Activity Centre offered over 15,000 sessions a year previously, primarily in water sports.
But it's been shut since March 2020, following building surveys which declared the site unsafe for public use.
The building was brought back into public ownership in 2021, from Brockenhurst College, and has now been passed on to the Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO) group, under a Community Asset Transfer.
The new owners are looking to redevelop the site into a modern and more accessible facility by January 2026.
The signing of the lease also means the centre is in line to benefit from a government grant of almost £670,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (DCLG) towards its immediate refurbishment and repair.
That's subject to certain conditions being met and £155,000 being raised in matching funds by the society.
Cllr Mike Cox, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance said: “This is a wonderful outcome for Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre. As a responsible council, it’s vital that we ensure that assets held by us are transferred into the ownership of suitable organisations which will provide a future community benefit whilst ensuring public ownership is retained.
“Everyone involved in this project - from HHO and BCP Council alike - have worked so hard to make this transfer happen, and it’s an example of true community working that we look to see more of in the future.
“Our teams will continue to support the charity where required, assisting them in making this project the success it deserves to be.”
Bill Howlett, Founding Director and Treasurer of HHO said: “We have to give enormous thanks to the BCP Council officers and councillors who have been so supportive and helpful at every stage to get this Community Asset Transfer sorted.
“It has truly been a partnership by all those involved, and a credit to the community spirit that HHO is intending to deliver. We are excited to begin the journey to reopen the centre for community use.”
Work has already begun on phased plans covering the waterfront, the grounds and key facilities required for the safe reopening of the centre.
The HHO team, together with volunteers and the wider community now aim to start refurbishment works as soon as practicable.