Lyndhurst: New developments in battle to save Foxlease site

But supporters of the Foxlease complex at Lyndhurst say they are confident they can raise the millions of pounds needed to buy the facility and keep it open.

Cost-cutting plans to dispose of Foxlease and four other activity centres across the UK were unveiled earlier this year.

Girlguiding UK said it would cost more than £20m to bring the sites up to standard.

Campaigners battling to save Foxlease took part in this year's New Forest and Hampshire County Show (Image: Newsquest.)

As reported in the Daily Echo, a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) called Foxie's Future has been set up with the aim of acquiring Foxlease.

READ MORE: Campaigners step up fight to save Foxlease activities centre at Lyndhurst

In a statement, Foxie's Future said: "After a period of consultation with those involved, Girlguiding UK has announced that the proposed sale will proceed.

"They met with us to inform us of the outcome of their consultation and we understand they will be considering bids and expressions of interest.

"As our charity registration has now been confirmed, we are optimistic that Foxie's Future has the opportunity to forge ahead with its plans to save the site by fundraising for its purchase."

Children at Foxlease pictured during one of several royal visits to the centre (Image: News)

Dr Deborah Lafferty, chair of the trustees, added: "Foxie’s Future remains committed to finding alternative solutions to closure and will now commence further action in earnest.

"We are pleased to learn that Girlguiding UK may be prepared to consider Foxie’s Future as a purchaser of the site.

"We must save this important activity centre for today’s and tomorrow’s young people and the communities that use the site locally, nationally and internationally.

"Foxlease is home to unique archives that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy."

READ MORE: New Forest MP Sir Julian Lewis joins campaign to save Foxlease

Dr Lafferty said the site had hosted the Guides' third international conference, the sixth world conference, and the first World Camp.

But she added: "It is so much more than Guiding, it is a safe space for large-scale events, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and adventures that cannot be done elsewhere."

Youngsters celebrate the 90th anniversary of Foxlease, which has been used by Girlguiding UK since 1922 (Image: Newsquest)

A Foxie's Future spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "The price [of Foxlease] has not yet been announced but we expect it to be in the region of several million pounds.

"We are confident that we will be able to raise the funds, it was a cornerstone of our decision to act.

"We have various initiatives we will be launching now that we have certainty around Girlguiding's decision."

More details are expected to be announced at a "strategy day" on Sunday, August 20.