90-year-old Guide hut to be demolished (From Bucks Free Press)

Beaconsfield's 90-year-old Guide hut to be demolished

2:40pm Tuesday 14th August 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

DEMOLITION work is set to start next month on a 90-year-old Guide hut in Beaconsfield - as part of a £260,000 rebuilding project.

Girlguiding Beaconsfield says the dilapidated hut in Malthouse Square can get so cold in the winter that it becomes unusable. The damp wooden building also has no disabled access or toilets.

The demolition will take place in several stages to make way for a new single-storey brick community building.

It will have improved access, a large hall with mezzanine floor for storage, a meeting room, a kitchen and disabled facilities.

The new hut will increase the number of guiding sessions that can be held for 200 girls, while it is expected that pre-school, adult education and exercise groups will also use the hall.

The funding for the project has been raised over a ten-year period, with substantial grants awarded by Margaret Noble Trust, The Clare Foundation, St James’ Group and The Veolia Environmental Trust.

Architectural work was also carried out free of charge by Heighway Associates.

Alan Walters, chairman of Beaconsfield New Guide HQ Fundraising Committee, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that with everyone’s support we have been able to raise all the money needed to get this stage.”