Refurbishment project
The Hertfordshire Guide Centre (HGC) at Cottered has been the county headquarters since 1996, set in the old village school, little change has happened until now. The centre has recently undergone phase 1 of the refurbishment project, giving it a new lease of life, bringing it up to date. We can now offer a centre that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Phase 1 works
Refurbishment project
Our vision is for the county centre to be recognised as a flagship venue that appeals to units across Hertfordshire as well as neighbouring counties. The recent and ongoing upgrades to HGC are strengthening its reputation both within Cottered village and among our members and their families.
HGC has significant potential, supported by its extensive grounds and established camping facilities. Building on these strengths, the centre is being developed to offer a wider range of activities and experiences for visitors, welcoming both Girlguiding Hertfordshire units and groups from the wider community.
Supporting and valuing our leaders is a key priority, and this has now been delivered through the refurbishment. Leaders’ accommodation has been improved, alongside upgrades to washroom facilities, creating a more comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive environment across the centre.
The centre has now undergone a refurbishment that has improved its environmental performance and energy efficiency. New double-glazed windows and doors have been installed, reducing heat loss and improving overall thermal efficiency, and this programme of upgrades will continue throughout the rest of the centre as further areas are refurbished. These improvements are already helping to reduce the centre’s carbon footprint while also lowering ongoing running costs.
Looking ahead, the installation of solar panels remains a future ambition. This would allow the centre to generate its own renewable electricity, reduce reliance on grid energy, and potentially generate income by exporting surplus power.
Through these improvements and planned upgrades, the centre is being developed to operate more sustainably. The longer-term aim is for the centre to meet the needs of units across Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties, and to become a flagship venue and venue of choice for events and activities.
The centre is now fully inclusive. The refurbishment means that we can now accommodate visitors of all abilities, including a separate washroom that has enough space to accommodate an adult changing table. The dormitories also allow easy access to all and fitting extra equipment such as a hoist, to assist all.
What has been happening?
New bedrooms
Colne bedroom
Lea bedroom
Mimram bedroom
Beane bedroom
Ver bedroom
Previously young guests slept on mattresses on the floor, which had to be put away each day. We listened to feedback and have reconfigured the space and extended the building to allow for 5 bedrooms, sleeping 27 people in total.
New fully accessible washroom
The new accessible shower room is fitted with toilet, sink, adult changing table (with shower function) and hoist. It is an en-suite to a 3 bed-room, which also has a ceiling hoist. The rooms can therefore cater perfectly for someone needing these facilities or, alternatively, it makes a wonderful leader room with en-suite shower room.
Hoist in the bedroom
One of the bedrooms, sleeping 3 people has a hoist fitted, enabling easier transition for guests who need help to get in and out of bed. This bedroom is next door to the accessible washroom.
New entrance
A new main entrance has been created, allowing for a more accessible welcome area. The entrance lobby is also suitable for small, informal meetings.
Leaders (optional) bedroom with en-suite
One of the new bedrooms, sleeping 4, has an adjoining door to 1 of the lovely new shower rooms. Should you wish to use it in this way, leaders staying at the centre can have the luxury of an en-suite shower room.
Girlguiding Hertfordshire would like to extend thanks to all our supporters, whether it be those who have given their time at our corporate volunteer days or working parties, or those who have purchased from the shop, bought badges, donated money or equipment.
Watch this space for news on phase 2.