Step behind the doors of the $2 million renovation to the 95-year-old Baden-Powell Activity Centre

Revitalised meeting rooms, technological enhancements, and security and accessibility initiatives are part of a more than $2 million investment into a Scouts NSW facility at Pennant Hills.

Between April and July of 2024, significant infrastructure upgrades have been undertaken – funded via NSW Government grants – at Baden-Powell Activity Centre (BP). This historic, 95-year-old site sits on 36ha of beautiful bushland adjoining the Lane Cove National Park.

Featuring a mix of meeting rooms, accommodation and adventurous activity options, BP is suitable for a vast range of customers within the community, including corporate groups, schools, sporting and religious groups, and, of course, Scout Groups.

Currently, BP can comfortably accommodate 110 people overnight and offers multiple conferencing rooms, ranging from small, 10-person meeting rooms, up to the presentation hall which seats about 150 people.

Scouts NSW Regional Manager State Activity Centres Joshua Sorbello said the renovations created modernised spaces, while maintaining the site’s historic character.

“It was important to us to offer facilities that meet the needs of our visitors yet keep the quiet and peaceful bush setting that we’re known for,” he said.

“For instance, our John Hill Training Building now includes bespoke meeting room facilities, featuring modern technology, an upgraded kitchen and spaces for hotdesking or breakout rooms, perfect for conferences.

“For visiting groups, such as church or youth groups, family reunions, schools or, of course, our Scout Groups, we’ve also upgraded our accommodation options. Our largest lodge – the Pax Hill Building, catering for up to 45 people – has had a full roof and decking replacement; new bathroom and kitchen facilities, plus the installation of audio-visual technology, making it a suitable conference facility as well.

“We have also reopened the House of Friendship, which sleeps up to 16 people, with upgrades to its bathroom amenities, and fresh paint throughout to really rejuvenate the space.”

Other smaller upgrades across the site have included the installation of new lighting and CCTV for increased security assurance, plus the addition of an accessibility ramp to the Lyon Barton Hall.

For more information on the Baden-Powell Activity Centre, or to book, visit https://bpsc.nsw.scouts.com.au/make-a-booking-enquiry/