The 33rd Norwich Scout Group began work on the £916,000 development at the group’s current home in Jessopp Road after securing a grant from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund last summer.
However, the group has now submitted a planning application to Norwich City Council with some changes to the design, as rising costs have prevented construction from going ahead as planned.
Demolition of the old scout cabin began last month (Image: 33rd Norwich Scout Group)
Andrew Parle, senior project manager, said: “The initial bid of £916,000 was sufficient when submitted just over two years ago.
“Unfortunately, inflation has hit the price of construction materials hard, and log supplies from Russia have also been affected by the current global situation.
“This increased the price to complete the building to £1.15 million, leaving a deficit. We contacted the original fund holders but were told no further funding was available.
Andrew Parle manages the construction project (Image: Denise Bradley)
“While this is a difficult situation, we will face it together, as a community, with our usual determination.
“Our hard-working volunteers are undertaking as much work as possible, such as the recent demolition, to keep costs down.
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-“We would welcome any offers of additional help from local businesses or fellows.”
The new plans could see the size of the lobby reduced and no veranda at the edge of the building. (Image: Denise Bradley)
Diana Hare, the project’s fundraising coordinator, added: “The revised plans are a contingency and have been designed to minimize the impact of any changes should they become necessary.
“However, the group is already working hard to find alternative funding to bridge the gap.
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“This is a unique chance for us to create a legacy, so we want it to be as good as possible.
Revised plans for the 33rd Norwich Scout Group’s new hut at Jessopp Road (Image: A Squared Architects)
“The clearing has started, so the work has certainly not stopped.
“This brilliant new center will remain carbon neutral, fully accessible and will provide fantastic new facilities for local scouts and community groups. It will be completed as planned.
The new plans would see the size of the store and meeting room reduced and the ‘log cabin’ exterior replaced with a timber frame, with features such as the all-weather veranda left unfinished.
