Christchurch
Liberal Democrats

Outdoor Activity Centre Saved

3 Mar 2025
Members of Hengistbury Head Outdoors with Councillor Mike Cox and the BCP Council team posing in a line outside the centre. There are two women and six men in the group, and a brown spaniel. It's a grey, wet day and five of the people are wearing matching brightly-coloured blue or green hoodies

Originally opened in 1964, Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre was a thriving hub for schools, groups and nature lovers. However after decades without major investment, and with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre closed in 2020, and its facilities have since fallen into serious disrepair. 

Last year, Mike approved the transfer of the Outdoor Activity Centre to a new Community Benefit Society. 

After months of negotiations a new 99-year lease has been signed. This also unlocks a £650,000 grant to jump-start the renovation of this important facility.

Mike commented: “I’m delighted that this jewel in BCP’s crown has been saved. The new owners have shown incredible vision and have provided a thoroughly professional standard to enable this transfer and lease to be concluded in record time.”

The Outdoor Centre hopes to reopen in Spring 2026  

 

Members of Hengistbury Head Outdoors with Councillor Mike Cox and the BCP Council team posing in a line outside the centre. There are two women and six men in the group, and a brown spaniel. It's a grey, wet day and five of the people are wearing matching brightly-coloured blue or green hoodies
Two children kayaking away from the camera, a girl in a blue canoe, and a boy in a red one, photo is from 2017 when the original centre was up and running.

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