Consultation date for ambitious new Scout and community hub in resort

Ambitious plans for a new purpose-built headquarters for Blackpool Scouts – the first one in the district council’s history – are in the pipeline.

Concept designs for the Blackpool Scout Headquarters and Community Hub, to be known as The Marshall Centre, are already complete.

An application for the proposals is to be lodged with Blackpool Council planners in the near future.

The new centre will be located at the former Methodist Church site on Midgeland Road and is proposed to be a wider community hub, as well as a Scout centre.

Before an application is lodged with planners, Blackpool District Scout Council is holding a public consultation event, to allow people to view the plans and make suggestions.

Public consultation

The public consultation event will take place at Marton Primary School, Whernside (off Highfield Road), Blackpool, on Wednesday September 17 from 5pm to 6.30pm .

Funds from a legacy have been secured for the project but the Scouts Council says it will welcome any additional support.

Currently the Scouts have been using premises in South Shore but these have been deemed not fit for purpose.

Matt Hornby, Lead Volunteer for Blackpool Scouts, said: “We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone in our journey — the concept designs for our brand-new Blackpool Scout Headquarters and Community Hub, The Marshall Centre, are now complete.

“Thanks to the incredible work of Joseph Boniface Architects Ltd and Leeming Associates, we now have a vision that reflects our values, supports our activities, and welcomes the wider community.

“We want The Marshall Centre to be a focal point for the local community. That’s why we’re inviting residents to a public consultation event.

“This is such an exciting moment for Blackpool Scouts. We’ve never had a place to truly call home, and The Marshall Centre changes that.

“The location of this project means a lot to the local community — the former church was a cherished space — and we want to bring some of that spirit back. This will be a place where young people and the wider community can come together, grow, and thrive.”

At the consultation, people can view the plans, see the architectural model and computer-generated images , ask questions of the architect and Scout leadership, and also share their thoughts.

The new centre and the design ideas include:

• Main Activity Hall with direct access to outdoor activity space
• Covered Outdoor Areas for year-round use
• Administration space
• Commercial grade kitchen
• Secure access and zoning between public and private areas
• EV charging points and cycle parking
• Natural ventilation and solar panels to reduce environmental impact
• Recycled materials used in construction, including plastic tiles for cladding

Mr Hornby added: “While we’ve secured some funding, we still need additional financial support to make this dream a reality. Whether you’re a local business, a community member, or someone who believes in the power of Scouting — we’d love your support.