The latest inspiring accommodation building at Gilwell Park, the spiritual home of Scouting, has been opened by its benefactor Peter Harrison.

The Peter Harrison Foundation made a generous grant of £1.25 million to build the Peter Harrison Lodge. The lodge offers year round space and accommodation for up to 50 young people. It will allow them to enjoy the challenge and adventure of the 108-mature parkland of The Scout Association’s Gilwell Park Activity Centre, on the edge of Epping Forest, North London.
 
Sophie Richings, an 18-year-old Scout Leader from nearby Enfield, helped Peter to officially open the state-of-the-art building. She said 'I have always loved camping at Gilwell Park because there are so many activities, from abseiling to zorbing. Now that I have become a Scout Leader, I can bring all my Scouts for the weekend and we can stay in the brand new Peter Harrison Lodge.'

Peter said 'I am very proud of the Foundation and what we have been able to do. The Peter Harrison Lodge will provide more opportunities for young people with special needs and disabilities to take part in Scouting.'

All the rooms are en-suite with a maximum of four beds per room and a separate room for adult leaders. The lodge also has a large communal hall, suitable for use as a dining space, social area or for indoor activities. The design is energy efficient with creative use of natural light. It has been built on traditional load bearing masonry on piled foundations with pre-cast block and beam floor and timber trussed rafter roof. The flat roof areas have been inverted with natural materials designed to encourage wildlife.
 
The Scout Movement is widely acknowledged for its unique place in society in promoting values-based education and activities, and for the real difference it makes to individuals and their communities.

Peter was a Scout in Cheadle in Cheshire from eight to 18 years, which inspired him to become a successful business entrepreneur.  As a keen and active sportsman throughout his life, Peter believes that education and sport provide the key stepping stones to self-development, creation of choice, confidence building and self reliance.