COMMUNITY & LEISURE some recent projects 

BIRK CRAG RESIDENTIAL CENTRE, HARROGATE.  Birk Crag was originally a children’s holiday home donated by Leeds and Harrogate Rotary Clubs to the Girl Guides in 1956 and has been used by thousands of girls and leaders for residential activities, meetings, training and day visits. Each week Birk Crag is home to local units as a meeting place, a safe space where outdoor and life skills can be learned, a building where members of all ages come together for residential events, activity days, training, fun and friendship and where leaders and adults develop new skills for the future. However, after almost 50 years of being in full use, sadly it is nearing the end of its useful life. Single glazing, leaking roof, exposure to the elements, large dormitories, outdated heating and bathroom, changes in legislation, lack of modern facilities, it’s time to move on ....  Girlguiding North Yorkshire West asked A&J to help them realise their dream for a new headquarters and residential centre. A&J have worked with the design team and have presented ideas to both the girlguiding community and the wider local community. In September we successfully gained planning permission for the new centre and are now working towards the detailed design whilst fundraising continues to gather pace.  The proposed building will have sleeping accommodation at first floor and due to the topography of the site the building will overhang the crag with the main activity space feeling as if it is truly within the trees. This will be a building that takes girlguiding forward for the future and will provide a fantastic facility for our young people to grow and develop.  Girlguiding North Yorkshire West would appreciate any help with fundraising, please visit their website for more information http://girlguidingnyw.org.uk