Transforming our Hall: A community project – update hub
The Scout Hall at Arkley Road is more than just a meeting place for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers; it’s a vital community asset. We have an ambitious vision to transform our hall into a modern, accessible, and sustainable hub that not only serves our young people but the wider Herne Bay community.
This ongoing work requires significant investment and the invaluable support of individuals, local businesses, and grants.
Join us on this journey to create a lasting legacy for Herne Bay.
Why your support matters
For the Scout Group these improvements will provide:
- Improved facilities for activities and learning.
- Enhanced safety and comfort.
- A modern environment that inspires.
For the wider community we aim to provide:
- A versatile space for classes, workshops and local groups (e.g. fitness classes, art groups, support networks).
- Increased accessibility for all members of the community, including those with disabilities.
- Reduced environmental impact through sustainable solutions like solar panels.
- A hub that fosters community spirit and collaboration.
Our vision and current projects
Our vision is to create a fully inclusive, energy-efficient, and multi-purpose community hall that will serve Herne Bay for generations to come. To achieve this vision, we have outlined a clear roadmap of capital projects, designed to systematically upgrade and modernise our hall. These include:
Expanding and updating the toilets
Solar Panel Installation
Our first major step towards a sustainable future is the installation of solar panels. This will significantly reduce our energy costs, allowing for more funds to be directly invested into our programme and other hall improvements, whilst also reducing our carbon footprint.
Progress: We are actively pursuing a major grant that could cover 90% of the costs for this phase, demonstrating strong external validation for this project. In parallel, we are also engaging with local councillors to share our broader plans and see how they might be able to support.
Call to Action: We are currently gathering community feedback on this project. Please share your thoughts and help us shape this initiative by completing our short consultation survey below:
Solar Panel Consultation Survey – 1st Herne Bay Scout Group
A new kitchen
As mentioned in our News update in February, to enable the hall to host a wider range of events and activities, we plan to convert our existing office space into a modern, fully equipped kitchen.
Expanding and updating the toilets
Currently, our toilet facilities are limited. We aim to expand and modernise them to comfortably accommodate larger groups and improve hygiene standards for all users.
Disabled Access compliance
Ensuring our hall is accessible to everyone. This project will involve making the necessary structural and navigational improvements to fully comply with disabled access regulations, making our hall truly inclusive.
Progress: An initial survey has been completed and the works scoped with initial estimates to complete all interior work, including damp-proofing the premises. We’ll publish more information as we work through the sequencing of these projects.
How You Can Help
Donate
- Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference. Even with significant grant funding and council support, your individual contributions help us to secure matching funds, cover unexpected costs, and accelerate our progress.
- Check back here soon for links to fundraising activities and goals
Community consultations and collaborations
- Your voice is crucial to help us shape and tailor the hall’s development to the community’s needs. Help us refine our plans by participating in our consultations. Beyond surveys, we are actively engaging with local councillors, contractors and other community groups to ensure these projects meet the needs of Herne bay.
- Are you a local business or tradesperson who could offer materials or services? Perhaps you have expertise in grant applications or project management? Perhaps you were a Scout who benefitted from using the hall? We are actively seeking partners to collaborate on these projects. Become a supporter today!
- Please contact us to discuss how you might be able to help.
Spread the word
- Help us reach a wider audience by sharing our vision (and this page!) with your friends, family and networks, particularly those in Herne Bay.
Volunteer
- We also welcome volunteers for specific tasks or fundraising events. If you have time to spare, please get in touch.
- Please contact us to discuss how you might be able to help.
Direct contact
Email for direct enquiries about the projects: [email protected]
