Hampshire County Council has approved a three-year strategy to strengthen its six outdoor and study centres with £2 million in ringfenced maintenance funding through 2028, ensuring their continued operation and exploring growth opportunities.
The centres serve over 25,000 children annually through outdoor learning programmes delivered by specialist staff in natural environments. These experiences help young people develop confidence, resilience and environmental awareness. Additionally, approximately 80,000 people across all age groups participate in recreational activities at the sites.
Councillor Kirsty North, Cabinet Lead for Universal Services, said: “I’m delighted that the County Council has approved a plan that reflects our wholehearted commitment to the future of our six outdoor and study centres. The aim is to explore new ways to help the centres thrive – including encouraging more people to visit and enjoy these fantastic sites – backed by an immediate £2 million investment in building maintenance.
“As we look ahead to potential changes in local government, our priority is to ensure the centres are in the strongest possible position to be passed on to any future successor bodies. In the meantime, we want to encourage residents, communities, schools and businesses to make full use of the centres and take advantage of the incredible opportunities they offer.”
A transformation programme has generated approximately £480,000 in additional revenue over the past three years (2022/23–2024/25), forming part of broader council efficiency measures.
The new commercial strategy aims to drive further growth through partnerships and extended visitor stays. Whilst all six centres provide educational programmes, several offer non-educational recreational opportunities for families, individuals and community groups, including Calshot, Tile Barn in the New Forest and Runway’s End near Basingstoke, which feature accommodation, camping and adventure activities.
Beyond 2028, the County Council anticipates restructuring due to central government requirements, potentially transferring the outdoor centres to successor authorities.
The six centres
Calshot Activities Centre – One of Britain’s largest activity centres on the Solent, offering water and land-based activities from historic hangars.
Minstead Study Centre – An environmental centre in the New Forest focused on sustainability and school visits.
Runway’s End Outdoor Centre – Woodland site beside the Basingstoke Canal providing adventure and environmental activities.
Stubbington Study Centre – Coastal centre delivering residential school visits and outdoor education linked to wildlife habitats.
Tile Barn Outdoor Centre – 14-acre New Forest site with bunkhouse accommodation, camping and adventure activities.
Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Education Centre – Traditional Welsh farmhouse in the mountains offering challenging countryside activities, operated in partnership with the Portal Trust supporting disadvantaged young people.
