Maidenhead & Windsor

Thousands of people who visit the picturesque Hurley Lock, Maidenhead on the River Thames – both members of the public and young people using the Royal Borough's specialist outdoor education project – will be able to enjoy much improved facilities from next summer.

The major improvements scheme is going ahead, thanks to the Maidenhead council's positive partnership with the Environment Agency and Slough Borough Council, supported by funding from the Big Lottery Fund, Clear Skies and Hurley Village Association/PowerGen Green Fund.

The aim is to upgrade the current facilities to provide a modern, safe environment for young people taking part in youth development activities at this unique East Berkshire Maidenhead centre – and a key part of the project is to make the centre as environmentally-friendly as possible.

The village association and the local environment group, led by Martin Fry, have been successful in raising funds from the PowerGen Green Fund which, together with a grant from the government's Clear Skies initiative, will support the installation of a renewable energy heat pump to provide the heating the centre needs

When the improvements are complete it will enable the Maidenhead centre to be used throughout the year and open up the fun, sport and educational opportunities for young people – including canoeing and kayaking to PE exam level.

The £300,000 scheme will replace the current inadequate facilities by providing up-to-date changing/showering accommodation, public toilets, a staff area and storage for an increased number of boats.

With the Environment Agency installing mains drainage on the island this winter, there will be improvements for everyone at the popular Hurley Lock, Maidenhead which is visited or used by nearly 100,000 people of all ages every year.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "Hurley Lock is a renowned centre for providing stimulating and challenging activities for young people in a safe environment. It is well used, not only by local schools and youth clubs but also by neighbouring local authorities including Slough and helps young people take part in healthy outdoor sport and physical activity.

"Unfortunately both young people and staff are currently having to make do with totally inadequate facilities so I am delighted that we are able to forge ahead with these much-needed improvements. We have already been given planning permission and the scene is set for work to be carried out over the next few months. By next summer we will have a centre to be proud of and a place where staff can continue their exceptional work with young people."

Martin Fry, chairman of the Hurley Environment Group, said he was delighted to see a final date for this project which will have the benefit of an environmentally-friendly heating system.

He explained: "The ground source heat pump is a very efficient way to heat a building, especially on Hurley Lock island where gas and oil supplies are not available. The Hurley Environment Group has supported this project from the outset, particularly as the council has committed to this more environmentally friendly way to heat the building."

The Environment Agency, which owns Hurley Lock island, has contributed £50,000 to the improvements. Don Vickers, waterways recreation manager, said: "We are delighted to be working with the council on this project. The improvements at Hurley Lock are a great example of our overall vision to improve leisure facilities along the River Thames by working with other organisations. I hope we see more schemes like this in the future."

Consultation about the scheme was previously carried out with Hurley Parish Council, Hurley Village Association, local Maidenhead borough councillors and representatives of the River Users' Group, who all gave their support.

Activities for young people at Hurley Lock, Maidenhead include canoeing and kayaking, leadership training, volunteering and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Hurley Lock is a community-based facility managed by the borough's youth and community service through the outdoor education project team. It operates on the principles of youth service, integration, citizenship, co-operation, self-confidence, achievement and caring for others.

Meeting on June 23 last, cabinet approved the appointment of local company Thor Log Cabins to provide the new centre, agreeing that the rustic style would be in keeping with the overall environment of Hurley Lock.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 20-Dec-2005