Potterne Building Project

The Project

The proposed works consist of the following principal elements, and include substantial alterations, to enable free and easy access and use by young people and adults who are disabled in some way:

• Demolish the existing toilet block and water tank tower and build enlarged toilet and washing facilities at the same floor level as the remaining building.
• The provision of separate washing and toilet facilities for disabled users, to current disabled requirements.
• Changes to the internal layout of the building to permit easy access by wheelchair users and to make better use of the available space, including widening of doorways.
• Enlargement and refurbishment of all meeting and tutor rooms.
• Renewal of all windows with double glazed uPVC units, and improved insulation throughout, to conserve energy and save fuel.
• Provision of new kitchen and dining facilities.
• Provision of new reception area, shop, store rooms, drying room, First Aid room and boiler room.
• Improved access to and egress from the site by cars and coaches, providing safe loading and off-loading facilities for people and equipment.
  

What the building and surrounding area will be used for:

As mentioned elsewhere, the intention is for the whole site to be made available to as many people as possible, scout or non-scout, from anywhere in the UK or abroad.

• Training courses for young people and their adult leaders.
• Meetings of the various committees that run scouting in Wiltshire.
• Conferences
• As a base for visiting sites and sights in Wiltshire and beyond.
• For sports activities
• The site has been and will continue to be made available for use by the residents of the adjacent villages.

Some of the current users, in addition to Wiltshire Scouts, include:

• Devizes –Westminster junior canoe race
  
• Wiltshire County Council
  
• Wiltshire Police
• Cycling Club for Great Britain
  
• Local community – for weddings and social events
  
• A substantial number of Scout Groups in Wiltshire & Swindon
  
• For training courses for youth leader
  
• Home education Society
  
• Lowland Search & Rescue teams – for training weekends
  
• Visiting Scout Groups from other Counties and Countries
  

Will the building and site be ‘fit for purpose’?

The redeveloped building and improved out-door facilities will be absolutely ‘fit for purpose’ in the following ways:
The building will be modern and user friendly for all.
The facilities will be up-to-date and will include:

• Modern training aids
  
• ‘Power Point’ presentation equipment
  
• Facilities for over night stays;
  
• Modern dining arrangements
  
• A coffee bar
  
• A modern kitchen for the provision of cooked meals
  
• Comfortable conference room and meeting/tutor rooms
  
• A drying room for wet cloths
  
• Efficient central heating system
  
• Thermal insulation throughout to conform to current requirements
  
• Good parking facilities
  
• Safe picking up and setting down points for vehicles
  
• 2.5 acres of camping and out-door activity areas.