A new home for 1st Northallerton Scout & Guide Group

Our group, formed in 1910, is probably the longest-running youth organisation in the town and has had its headquarters in the current Malpas Road venue for 50 years.
Today, a core of about 20 volunteer leaders provide activities for almost 140 young people across the various sections, from Beavers and Brownies to Explorer Scouts – with many more on our waiting lists – in a building that is nearing the end of its sustainable working life.
For several years, the Group has sought a new site for a purpose-built base with better outside facilities and improved vehicle parking.
Last year we were granted planning permission for a new headquarters on land leased from the county council, almost opposite the railway station, close to County Hall and beside Broomfield Park. Access is off Boroughbridge Road.
The plans include two meeting halls to allow two groups to meet simultaneously, as well as plenty of storage, a foyer, small kitchen and office. The exciting design also includes a storage area in the basement and garage for the Group’s community minibus, together with a first floor meeting room which – like the main halls – will be available for use by other community groups.
The facility has been designed to be robust and to require minimum maintenance.

How will it benefit the community?

Scouting and Guiding provides educational, social, personal and physical development for young boys and girls aged from six to 18.
The new headquarters will enable us to meet this challenge by:
• providing a safer and more easily controlled environment
• integrating people with disabilities more easily
• increasing the numbers of young people taking part
• reducing costs, releasing money to be used more directly on activities
• increasing the profile of our Group in Northallerton, across North Yorkshire and beyond
• providing excellent facilities for use by other local community groups

What happens next

Detailed planning permission was granted in December 2014 for new homes on our Malpas Road site, with a view to putting it on the market.
Construction of the new building will be paid for by the proceeds of the sale of the old site, together with a significant sum already set aside for the purpose. The remaining balance is being sought from various sources of charitable funding.
This last key amount is what is likely to determine when we can move in: we hope this will be in 2016.