By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
No staff have remained at Woodmill Outdoor Centre as Scouts take over the former council-owned site.
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Earlier this summer Southampton City Council agreed to sell Woodmill Outdoor Centre following a joint proposal from Southern Water and Southampton City Scouts.
After acquiring the freehold for the Stoneham side of the site, Southern Water is transferring the freehold for the activity area to the Scouts.
A spokesperson for Southampton City Scouts said: “The site is now in a transitional period as we take over operation and none of the existing staff have continued with us.
“During this transitional period, we are carrying out necessary checks and certifications on equipment, such as boats and climbing equipment.
“This work also impacts the availability of what access we can offer, so right now it’s not possible to provide the site’s full programme for Scouts or the wider community.”
Protestors on the steps of the Civic Centre ahead of the July meeting which approved the Woodmill sale.
Volunteers at the Scouts have been working to get the site back up and running, with a planned big clean up event taking place alongside the wider this weekend.
The spokesperson said they were fully committed to making Woodmill Outdoor Centre available to schools, community groups and young people with additional needs, as well as the Scout community.
The group was working closely with charity partners to improve the programme, with new opportunities focusing on nature, wildlife and wellbeing.
Cllr Toqeer Kataria, cabinet member for leisure and people, pictured left, said: “We are continuing to work with Southampton Scouts to ensure Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre continues to serve the community, including schools and community groups.
“As a council, we have adhered to TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006) requirements throughout this process.
“The site is now in a transitional period as Southampton Scouts take over operation of the site and make improvements.
“This impacts the availability of what they can offer at present.
“The Scouts have contacted all existing bookings and will be working with them and offering them alternative options to the meet their needs.”
The price paid to acquire the Woodmill freehold has not been disclosed, however, as the decision on the disposal was made by the council’s cabinet it must have been less than £2million.
More articles about Woodmill and the activities centre
Updated 8/9/25 to reflect that the sale of the site is yet to go through
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