Phoenix 3 Project

The Phoenix 3 Project is the next phase in the ongoing redevelopment of the Scout Headquarters site, focused on replacing buildings that have reached the end of their operational life.

This phase aims to replace the original Explorer Hut—which currently houses the kitchen and storage facilities—with a new building integrated with the Phoenix 2 development completed in 2014. In addition, the existing garage stores will be replaced with a purpose-built standalone storage facility.

The Explorer Hut has served generations of young people for over 50 years, used by Explorer Scouts and previously Venture Scouts. It was originally constructed by parents and Venture Scouts, reflecting a long-standing tradition of community involvement within the Group.

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New Phoenix 3 Building

The new Phoenix 3 building will be integrated with the Phoenix 2 buildings constructed in 2014 and will include a large meeting room with picture window and doors to the side, along with a new commercial grade kitchen and a storage room.

New Site Plan

The picture above shows the site as it will look when the Phoenix 3 building work is complete, with the new building on the right containing a meeting room and kitchen and the new standalone storage facility on the left.

Time Line - Phoenix 3

April 2026 - Community Consultation Arranged

Preparation for a Planning Application submission is well underway and a date has been set for a Community Consultation on the plans - Saturday 27th June.

October 2025 - Design Concepts

A set of 'Design Concepts' had been produced by our architect Charlotte from Matthew Allchurch Architects (MAA) and a meeting was convened of the Phoenix 3 Project Team to discuss them and give guidance on producing a first set of drawings. Proposal made to separate storage requirements into a cheaper standalone building with a lower spec and less heating & insulation.

Apr 2025 - Matthew Allchurch Architects (MAA) create initial plans

The Phoenix 3 Project Team agree to appointing Matthew Allchurch Architects (MAA) to undertake the design and planning aspects of the project. Charlotte from MAA produces the first plans for the team to comment on. A first Pre-Planning discussion with Merton Council was held with positive feedback generally for the project.

Jan 2025 - Phoenix 3 Project Created

It was agreed at a Trustee Board meeting to create a Phoenix 3 project and look into the feasibility of replacing the remaining end-of-life buildings on the HQ site. The Explorer Hut (pictured here) has been standing for over 50 years and consists of a meeting room, kitchen and stores.

2010 - 2014 - Phoenix 2 Project
The Phoenix 2 project is undertaken to replace the main Scout HQ buildings with a new hall, a lobby area and the 'North wing' containing an office, a leaders room and a further meeting hall. The planning work was completed jointly with Berkeley Homes who were re-developing the Atkinson Morley Hospital buildings on the other side of the land we jointly occupy. The building costs were significant and there was a massive effort to raise funds via the Group membership, grants and loans. The result was a fantastic new set of buildings which have been in constant use since they were opened not just by Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts in the Group but also many other community organisations including Brownies, Guides, a Polish Scout Group, a woodland nursery, a community church, yoga & pilates, children's holiday camps and more.

1990s - Original Phoenix Hut
The Phoenix emblem has been associated with the Group since the early 1990’s when the Headquarters was rebuilt following a fire in May 1989.