Big revamp of Waddecar Scout Centre planned near Preston

Waddecar Scout Activity Centre. Pic: West Lancashire Scouts

West Lancashire Scouts are fundraising for the future of the Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, based on the outskirts of Preston, near Beacon Fell.

The centre has been open since 1954, servicing 30,000 people a year, providing experiences and fond memories for those across Lancashire.

Investing in the next 100 years, the centre has a £200k fundraising target, which it will use to increase its capacity, functionality and accessibility if the money is raised.

A host to 30,000 young people per year. Pic: West Lancashire Scouts

They plan to create a modern space for residential activities that can be used by local community groups and organisations.

The group have already invested £1.2 million into developing Waddecar’s activity and outdoor facilities while replacing the site’s utilities and sanitation infrastructure.

Part of the money raised will be used to update the current indoor accommodation, which was built in 1963 and hosted tens of thousands of people over the decades.

Waddecar Scout Activity Centre activities. Pic: West Lancashire Scouts

The new plans will see a sustainable and fully accessible accommodation block which will have a capacity for 80 people and contain two large activity halls, with provision for food and storage.

Ollie Woods, County Trustee for the West Lancashire Scouts said: “Our new accommodation building is an ambitious, once in a generation opportunity, for us to unlock new opportunities for tens of thousands of young people from across the North West to explore the outdoors in a safe space at Waddecar, in the heart of the Trough of Bowland.

“We are excited to launch our fundraising campaign and welcome support from individuals, businesses and grant-giving organisations.”

The group are calling out to the community and partners to help support the cause and make Waddecar a suitable place for the next generation. You can donate here.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.