We were asked by the 59^th Scout Trustees and Scout Leaders to work with them to look at their Scout ‘hut’ at what is both urgently needed and what will give the hut a new life for the next 50 years.  We were asked prepare a feasibility study to look holistically at the challenges and the possibilities for this popular neighbourhood and community amenity that is owned in perpetuity by the Scouts. The next step for the trustees is applying for funding. Our approach in the feasibility study is to keep as much of the original building and fittings as possible and carefully refurbish and improve the building, site and amenities.

The Group was inaugurated on 4 December 1914 at St Augustine’s Church Parish Rooms on Wiseton Road under Scoutmaster J. S. Butler. Founded during the early months of the First World War, it began with 13 members and grew to 22 Scouts in three patrols by January 1915.

Over the following decades, the Group expanded to include Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, and senior sections. Meetings were held at various locations in the Sharrow Vale area before a permanent headquarters was established on Botanical Road in 1969, with construction taking place between 1966 and 1972.

Today, the 59th Group remains very active and popular with it continuing to provide inspirational scouting opportunities for young people in the local community.

Between the years of 1966 and 1972, over 60 Venture Scouts and volunteers gave up their spare time to spend six years constructing the Scout Hut. The Scout Hut was built with ambition and care over a six year period and for this reason alone it is important we keep to the existing spirit and feel of the building. The Scout Hut is owned by the Scouts and is required to remain a Scout Hut in perpetuity.

The proposal aims to improve access, safety, and usability at the Scout Hut through a range of external enhancements. Works include widening the site entrance, relocating gates, removing the existing outside store, extending and resurfacing the driveway with grasscrete, and providing new ramped access. Additional improvements include new seating areas, raised planting beds, landscaping, and the installation of solar panels to enhance the site’s sustainability and accessibility for all users.

The proposed rear courtyard will create a welcoming and functional outdoor space for Scout activities and community use. The scheme includes new paving, seating, planting, and a covered canopy, providing opportunities for outdoor learning, social interaction, and year-round use while improving the overall appearance and accessibility of the site.

The proposal includes a new rear extension to replace the existing garage and connecting link. The extension will be clad in vertical timber boarding to match the original burgundy timber cladding on the Scout Hut.

The rear extension incorporates high-level windows on two elevations to provide natural cross-ventilation, supporting the use of the space for drying tents and equipment. A high-level circular window is also proposed within the gable end, introducing additional daylight while maintaining privacy for both neighbouring properties and building users.

A larger circular window is proposed within the main hall gable to increase natural light levels within the building. To the rear elevation, three new double doors will replace existing windows, creating a stronger connection between the main hall and the courtyard. This will improve access to the outdoor space and enhance opportunities for indoor-outdoor activities.

These two sketch collages explore different ideas and material approaches for improving the internal acoustics of the main hall. As the hall currently suffers from poor acoustic performance, introducing acoustic treatments is essential. Alongside internal insulation, these interventions will not only enhance the thermal efficiency of the space but also create a more comfortable and pleasant environment for large groups of people using the hall.

The sketches also investigate a range of window and door configurations, testing how different arrangements influence the quality, character, and functionality of the internal spaces within the Scout Hut.

The rear extension will primarily be used for airing and drying tents. However, the central storage cabinets will be mounted on wheels, allowing the space to be easily reconfigured as a quiet room or prayer space should building users require it.