A purpose-built headquarters has been officially handed over to the 8th Faversham Sea Scout Group who will run the facility for the benefit of its current young members and for future generations to come.
To mark the occasion, Anderson, the development company behind the award-winning Faversham Lakes, welcomed a number of key stakeholders and dignitaries – including the Mayor of Faversham for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration.
This unique building, which was designed by Project Architecture and is of a contemporary design, will provide a permanent home to the various groups run by the 8th, all of which have been in temporary accommodation since 2018.
Tim Chilvers, Operations Director at Anderson said: “We are incredibly proud of this building and the enduring legacy it leaves for the local community who have shared in this journey and our wider vision for Faversham Lakes.
“The 8th Faversham Sea Scout Group have been the very best of partners and we have no doubt that they will prove to be brilliant custodians of this facility.”
The premises boasts a meeting room, kitchen, a sizeable hall, changing facilities and bathrooms as well as significant outside space and direct access to the lake.
Environmental additions included bird and bat boxes, wood piles and hedgehog homes.
Matt Hogben from the 8th Faversham Sea Scouts Group said: “Having a permanent home will really help our group to grow and the location, right alongside the lake, means we have perfect access for nautical activities.
“We cannot thank Anderson enough for gifting us this resource and we are staggered by the imagination and creativity that has gone into its design which makes it feel very bespoke for our requirements.”
The official ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by members of the Group, parents and supporters as well invited guests, the Mayor of Faversham, Cllr Josh Rowlands from Faversham Town Council, and Trevor Martin, Chair of Trustees of Faversham Scouts.
Guided tours of the premises were provided for guests as well as refreshments and demonstrations of activities from the young people.
Faversham Lakes is a development on a former gravel works and gunpowder factory, which historically supplied firepower from the 16th century for both military purposes and the blasting of canals and railways.
The 130-acre site now consists of 330 homes and a 50-acre country park which boasts footpaths and circular walks as well as reed beds, lagoons, wildlife habitats, bird hides and extensive planting.
The site is complete with two original cannons and Grade II listed work buildings, currently undergoing restoration.
The project has scooped a number of awards including First Time Buyer Readers’ Award for Best Large Development and the Evening Standard New Homes Award for Best First Time Buyer Home.