By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Woodmill Activities Centre in Southampton is set to remain open under proposals that will see the site taken on by the city’s district Scouts branch, with the freehold for the Soneham side sold to Southern Water.
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The utility company would in turn transfer the activities area to Southampton City Scouts by freehold.
A spokesperson for Southampton City Scouts said: “We are pleased to have worked with over 20 other local community organisations and businesses to propose a community-led future for Woodmill.”
Meanwhile, the city council intends to retain the freehold for the Mill building, with Above Board (Solent) Ltd taking on a lease.
As a current tenant, the company already operates the SUP Company and Woodmill Coffee Kitchen.
The local authority’s proposals would see Above Board (Solent) Ltd take responsibility for the whole of the Mill building.
Members of the council’s overview and scrutiny management committee will discuss the plans at a meeting on Thursday, July 10, before the item goes to cabinet the following week.
A briefing paper published ahead of the committee meeting said if approved this month, officers would work to ensure the freeholder is in place by September 1.
The centre in Woodmill Lane, Swaythling, borders the River Itchen and offers a range of activities, including water sports, climbing and archery.
The project forms part of the council’s leisure transformation programme.
Following a “competitive process”, the local authority received two bids for the Woodmill site - one freehold and one leasehold.
A review process recommended Southampton City Scouts as the operator and freeholder of the activities centre on the Stoneham side of the site and Above Board (Solent) Ltd taking on a lease for the Mill building.
Tony Jones, director of Above Board (Solent) Ltd, said: “As the managing director of both The SUP Company and Woodmill Coffee Kitchen, we are proud to have spent the last eight years building a thriving, community-focused business at Woodmill.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to secure a long-term future at this much-loved site and are looking forward to working closely with Southampton City Council to ensure its continued success for the local community and visitors alike.”
The briefing paper said the bid from the Scouts was joint with Southern Water, which holds an interest in the borders of the site for work to improve the river environment and habitat for fish and other wildlife, particularly Atlantic Salmon.
Outlining the plan the branch has for the site, the paper said: “This organisation is committed to growing and improving the community offer and maintaining the existing school programme at Woodmill.
“Southampton Scouts will use their skills, experience and resources to develop the programme and offer.”
Southampton City Scouts has operated Wilverley Youth Campsite in the New Forest for more than 50 years and also oversees 11 sites across the city, which are run in partnership with the community.
The freehold disposal would see asset management responsibility pass to Southern Water and Southampton City Scouts, including management of the riverbanks, salmon pool and river assets, such as sluice gates.
Previously
Woodmill Activities Centre: Council seeks to allay fears over future
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