An historic Girlguiding centre, much-loved by Isle of Wight members of the organisation who have a room there, has received government funding via a Hampshire charity.
As previously reported, Girlguiding UK has been planning to sell off the 65-acre Foxlease estate at Lyndhurst in the New Forest, to cut costs.
A charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), called Foxie's Future, was set up with the aim of acquiring the site, although they would have to raise millions of pounds to do so.
Now, money has been awarded by the government's Department for Levelling Up, Housing and the Communities’ Community Ownership Fund.
READ MORE: Isle of Wight girlguiding hub Foxlease on the market
SEE ALSO: Isle of Wight Girlguiding to lose Hampshire's Foxlease site
The much-needed boost, bringing them closer to purchasing the site and keeping it open.
The CIO has received £1.78m.
Jacob Young, Minister for Levelling Up, said: “We know how much these vital community assets mean to people across the country. They are an important lifeline for people young and old, and they’re the beating heart of our towns, cities and villages.
“That’s why we’re stepping in to protect them with a major rescue package, so we stop these great establishments closing or being lost forever and ensure that they continue to sit at the heart of our beloved communities.”
Foxlease is on the market, through Savills estate agents, for £4 million.
It is one of five centres around the country being sold off.
Island-based guides maintain a room there and some are members of the Friends of Foxlease supporter's group.
Scores of Islanders have visited and camped on the historic estate building in the century since it was donated to Girlguiding UK.
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