A 300-tonne crane lifted seven bespoke modular units into position on Endbutt Lane on Sunday, August 2, 2026, marking the culmination of years of planning and fundraising for the 12th Crosby (St. Luke’s) Scout Group. The road was closed from approximately 7.30am to 5.30pm to allow the operation, which replaced the former Scout Hut built in 1969 with a modern, watertight structure.
Heavy Lifting Operation Brings New Building to Site
The scale of the operation was significant, with the 300-tonne crane manoeuvring each of the seven modular sections into place. By the end of the day, the Scout Group had achieved what had seemed almost unimaginable months earlier: a brand-new, watertight building standing on the site of its former headquarters.
Stuart Johnston, chair of the 12th Crosby (St. Luke’s) Scout Executive Committee, said: “It was amazing to see. After everything that has gone into getting us to this point, seeing the building being lifted into place was a very special moment for everyone involved. It suddenly became very real.”
Modern Construction Methods and Government Funding
The new headquarters is being delivered using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), with the individual sections manufactured off-site before being transported to Crosby and craned into position. The project has been made possible through a Youth Investment Fund (YIF) grant from the UK Government, which supports the creation and improvement of youth facilities across England.
The 12th Crosby (St. Luke’s) Scout Group previously received approximately £10,000 in Youth Investment Fund support towards pre-construction and planning work, before securing the major grant that has enabled the new headquarters to become a reality.
New Building to Serve Future Generations
The new building will provide a larger, modern and more vibrant environment for the Group’s Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Young Leaders, while creating opportunities to support more young people from the local community. The project also marks the end of an important chapter in the Group's history, as the previous Scout Hut had stood on the site since 1969, serving generations of young people, volunteers and families for more than five decades.
Although the old building has now gone, its legacy will live on in the new headquarters. From camp kit checks and fundraising events to Christmas parties, sleepovers, badge presentations and preparations for camps and expeditions, the old hut played an important part in the lives of generations of local young people. For some former Scouts, the connection has continued across generations, with people who once attended meetings in the old hut later returning as volunteers and bringing their own children into Scouting.
Completion Timeline and Opening Plans
The new building is expected to move rapidly towards completion. Portakabin has advised that installation through to practical completion is expected to take approximately 12 weeks, with a projected handover date of Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Following handover, the Scout Group will need to furnish the new headquarters, fit out the storerooms and prepare the building for use by its young people and the wider community.
An informal or 'soft' opening is being considered for local residents, young people and supporters once the building is ready, while the Group is currently looking towards spring 2027 for a larger official opening celebration. Further details will be announced once arrangements have been confirmed.
Stuart Johnston added: “This is not simply a new building. It is an investment in the young people of Crosby and in the future of our Scout Group. The old hut gave generations of young people somewhere to learn, grow and make memories, and we want this new headquarters to do exactly the same for generations to come.”
The Group would like to thank everyone who has supported the project, from those involved in the original fundraising and planning through to the organisations and individuals who have helped bring the new headquarters to life. After years of looking towards the future, the future is now quite literally taking shape on Endbutt Lane. The next generation of 12th Crosby Scouts will soon have a new home.
