New Headquarters for Jersey Scouts

Client: Jersey Scout Association

Location: Jersey, Channel Islands

For many years The Scout Association in Jersey used two old buildings as its headquarters; both in a poor state of repair. However, both buildings were situated in an ideal location, on land also used for camping, overlooking the sea at St.Ouen.

Although the area was environmentally sensitive, the Executive Committee knew that providing certain criteria were met, they would be able to build a new headquarters nearby, on a site on the opposite side of the coast road. Although planning approval for plans by a local architect was granted, the projected cost of the new building was well over the available budget of £575k. Fortunately, Executive Chairman, Peter Bastion had seen examples of similar design and build projects completed by Pinelog, so specialists from the Bakewell based company were contacted and invited to see if they could help.

Pinelog's architects, recognising that any new building would have to cope with the exposed site, came up with plans for a low, flexible building that would sit well in its environment. It was designed within an existing budget but could be easily expanded in future, as and when additional funding became available.

A full turnkey operation, Pinelog took on all aspects of the building including foundations, plumbing, heating and electrical services. Using local suppliers, together with those from the mainland, the 546 square metre building was completed and handed over to the clients some 34 weeks later.

The 42m x 13m Jersey Scout Headquarters is of timber-framed construction, making use of laminated beams. A number of features including special Douglas fir facings and western red cedar shingle roof tiles were incorporated to achieve an attractive appearance and counter the effects of weather erosion on this particularly exposed site. An overhanging roof creates an additional 8.5m x 12m of sheltered decking area with toilets and washing facilities for campers. Internally the building comprises: a large main activity hall; seven dormitory bedrooms with bunk beds for visiting Scouts and their leaders; meeting rooms; a commercially equipped kitchen; storerooms; showers and toilets, plus a specialised suite to accommodate two disabled scouts.

"Visitors have nothing but admiration for the new building," said Peter Bastion. "Even the Chief Scout George Purdy in his address at the opening ceremony commented on the welcoming appearance of the building. This building is at the heart of all our activities here on Jersey. It has exceeded our expectations and by combining traditional green-field activities with modern amenities we are now welcoming Scout and Guide groups from all over the world - they, like us, love it".

At the same time as this project was underway, Pinelog was also commissioned to design and build another building for the 10th Jersey Les Quennevais Scouts. This Scout group's new headquarters at Les Creux Country Park, St Brelade is of redwood log construction with internal pine finish.