Outdoor activity centre revived by community group

A water sports and activity centre that has been closed for five years is to be revived by a community group.

Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre, on Christchurch Harbour, shut in March 2020 after the building was deemed unsafe for public use.

The facility, which was primarily used for water sports, previously handled more than 15,000 activity sessions a year.

It was brought back into direct ownership by BCP Council in 2021 and has now been leased to community group Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO).

HHO and BCP have agreed a 99-year lease through a Community Asset Transfer

The group was set up as a charitable community benefit society in 2023 and the centre is already being used by community groups.

HHO has now been granted a 99-year lease through a Community Asset Transfer, and aims to redevelop the centre into a modern, more accessible facility by January 2026.

The lease means it can benefit from a government grant of almost £670,000 from the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (DCLG) towards refurbishments and repairs - on the condition it can raise a further £155,000.

The money must also be spent by December, and work has already begun on the waterfront, grounds and facilities required for the centre to reopen safely.

BCP deputy leader Mike Cox said: "This is a wonderful outcome for Hengistbury Head Outdoor Activity Centre.

"It's an example of true community working that we look to see more of in the future.

"Our teams will continue to support the charity where required, assisting them in making this project the success it deserves to be."

HHO founding director Bill Howlett said: "It has truly been a partnership by all those involved, and a credit to the community spirit that HHO is intending to deliver.

"We are excited to begin the journey to reopen the centre for community use."