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Cassidy + Ashton’s vision for popular Forest of Bowland activity centre is approved

Cassidy + Ashton has secured planning permission from Preston City Council for its design proposals to upgrade facilities at Waddecar Scout Activity Centre, a popular youth activity centre in rural Lancashire.

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As the appointed planning and design consultants for West Lancashire County Scouts, our designs include creating a much-needed accommodation block to replace outdated residential facilities and improve accessibility.

Located in the Forest of Bowland, near Preston, Waddecar provides scouts, guides, youth and school groups the opportunity to experience a residential camp and take part in a range of outdoor activities including archery, canoeing, and climbing. As well as sleeping accommodation, the centre has open areas for camping.

The new two-storey building will be set in woodland with Cassidy + Ashton’s design team taking careful consideration that it will be in keeping with its natural surroundings. Materials have been chosen to sensitively blend the building into the established rural surroundings. By using a  vertically slatted composite cladding in the design, the building’s texture will echo its woodland setting.

Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “As architects we are delighted to continue our long-standing support for this wonderful charity and to help Waddecar sustain its presence in an amazing location. On a personal note I am particularly proud to be involved with an organisation that gave me so many happy memories of exploring and camping at Waddecar as a cub scout – it’s good be able to give something back! ‘’

The residential block will include several ground floor common rooms and kitchen facilities along with four private rooms for group leaders. The first floor will feature 12 dormitories and bathroom facilities with accommodation available for up to 75 people.

The £450,000 project is part of an ongoing upgrade at Waddecar to keep the centre’s facilities maintained and meeting modern standards of health and safety and accessibility. Existing lodges, some in quite poor condition, will be demolished to make way for the new building.

Cassidy + Ashton previously worked with West Lancashire County Scouts on a development at the Waddecar site in 2016 to modernise washroom and toilet facilities at activity centre.

  • Royal Institute of British Architects - RIBA
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - RICS
  • Royal Town Planning Institute - RTPI
  • iso9001
  • iso14001
  • abr

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