New £1.2m Scout and Guides centre set to open

A brand new £1.2m Scout and Guide Group centre is set to open in Derby.

The 1st Shelton Lock Scout and Guide Group's new building, called the Full Circle Centre, is due to officially open at a celebration event on Saturday.

The group said its former wooden home, which was built in 1963, became "unviable" so they decided to build the Full Circle Centre in Sinfin Avenue, which is bigger and has more room for outdoor adventures.

To mark the opening, young people will run through colourful ribbons instead of a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

As well as being unviable, the group said the old wooden building had a lease that was "uncertain".

With the support of Derby City Council, the group found new land in Sinfin Avenue with a long-term lease and successfully bid for a Youth Investment Fund grant of more than £1.2m to build the site.

The Full Circle Centre includes solar panels, underfloor heating, an air source heat pump and sustainable rainwater system that collects rainwater from the roof and other surfaces that can be recycled for watering plants and toilet flushing.

The building also has accessible doors, toilets, pathways, a kitchen that has lowered work surfaces and a "unique" feature ceiling installation.

Sue Baker, chair of trustees for 1st Shelton Lock Scout and Guide Group, said the Youth Investment Fund has been "game changing" and "made our dreams a reality".

Ms Baker added: "Everyone is so excited about our brand-new home and looking forward to many new adventures for generations to come."

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