Work is set to begin on a new Scout building in Chorley following an official ground-breaking ceremony.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Chorley MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, joined Chorley Mayor Debra Platt, FI Property Group founder and managing director Tim Knowles, Scouts and volunteers to mark the milestone on Saturday.
The new building will be constructed at the George Platt Activity Field on Birkacre Road, thanks in part to the backing of local entrepreneur Tim Knowles.
Knowles, a former Scout, stepped in as a sponsor, enabling Chorley District Scouts to secure a grant from the Lancashire Environmental Fund (LEF) and move the scheme forward.
As well as committing £10,000, he pledged additional labour and building resources to help get the project off the ground.
The businessman, who was presented with his own neckerchief by Andy Lewis of Chorley District Scouts at Saturday’s ceremony, said: “It’s about giving back to Chorley. Sir Lindsay Hoyle has done so much for Chorley, and Chorley has done so much for me.
“It’s incredible to see what Chorley District Scouts have achieved with a relatively small amount of money. It’s inspiring, and I’m honoured to play my part.
“I was a Scout myself as a youngster, and it teaches you values you can carry into life and business. For me, it was a stepping stone to becoming self-employed and basing my business in Chorley for more than 40 years.”
The George Platt Activity Field is named after a former Scout whose generous legacy enabled Chorley District Scouts to buy the four-acre site from a local farmer.
The Scouts had used the land for archery for a decade before buying it and securing planning permission to transform it from agricultural land into a campsite and activity field.
However, their bid for a LEF grant to fund a new building looked set to fail unless a local business stepped in as a sponsor.
Andy Lewis, of Chorley District Scouts, said: “Without Tim Knowles and FI Property Group, it wouldn’t have happened. It’s as simple as that. FI Property Group have gone beyond being a third party sponsor. As well as committing £10,000, they also pledged additional labour and materials.
“The new building will be used as a meeting room, classroom and storage facility. It will replace a number of leaky storage containers that we currently rely on.
“This project has been years in the making and would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers and the support of our funding partners.
“We are extremely grateful to Lancashire Environmental Fund and FI Property Group for helping us create a facility that will benefit generations of young people.”
Mr Lewis said 1,500 Scouts will be able to use the new building when it’s complete, as well as schools and community groups.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who is also the President of Chorley District Scouts, said: “This is a proud day for Scouting in Chorley. The new building will provide fantastic opportunities for young people to develop skills for life, enjoy outdoor adventure and build friendships.”
He also singled out the contribution of Tim Knowles in helping turn the scheme into reality.
“Businesses give back to the community and that’s what it’s about,” he said. “Tim, thank you for what do. In the end we all get criticism but behind that criticism is people who do help.”
The Mayor of Chorley, Councillor Debra Platt, said: “Scouting plays an invaluable role in supporting young people and communities across the borough. It is wonderful to see this investment being made, and I am pleased to join everyone involved in marking the start of construction.”
