The 169 Scout Group is in a unique setting, has a waiting list which they expect to grow as there is a lot of new build houses being developed nearby, although in a different county but the border is close.
The Scouts needed to develop a new store, and also needed a shower block with washing a nd toileting facilites for the overnight camps and another group room to expand revenue, and ease pressure on the main building.
Throuhg CRF were able to obtain a new building which is split into the three sections, and also do some other preairs alongside working with other funding to obtain solar panels to offset running costs.
They found the support of the CRF process more beneficial than other funding sources with good communications, assistance, prompt replies and prompt funding.
Difficulties lay in the council planning and regs but were overcome in the end through negotiations.
Difficulties also lay in the fact they needed professionals to identify the 'how to' for the bidding in order to reduce costs such as needed a structural engineer for the main building and did not need a rebuild and found the architect support useful to negotiate planning and regs difficulties.
The new build is already in use, allows for more functions to happen on site, so has incresed revenue and made the Scout site more resilient overall, with cost effectiveness, ease of use and additional indoor spaces.
