A former Girlguiding activity centre in the Peak District, which has remained closed for two years, is to reopen at Easter for the benefit of the community as a camp, caravan site and cafe thanks to new owners.
The familiar landmark venue of Glenbrook in Bamford in the Hope Valley, which shut in December 2023, will open its doors again to visitors in April after new owners Glenbrook Holdings bought the site for an undisclosed sum from owners Girlguiding late last year.
Directors Andrew Lazenby and Gill Petty will operate the 10-acre site, which includes a house and cottage; a distinctive purpose built dormitory block including commercial kitchen; land ground pitches and coach and car parking, as Hope Valley Holidays and the Forest Stage cafe. They hope 10-15 jobs will be created.
The duo are local residents who live in Hope Valley, and know Glenbrook’s history and its decades of use by Girlguiding members, were advised by Sheffield’s MD Law on the purchase and currently liaising with the local authority on planning matters.
Andrew Lazenby, director at Glenbrook Holdings, said: “As local residents, it has been disappointing to see the closure of this landmark Hope Valley facility for so long. We recognise the significance of this property and are dedicated to ensuring its future use, creating local jobs and contributing to the local economy.
“We plan to run Glenbrook as a camp and caravan site with a café at a later date, offering subsidised access for groups and working closely with the local community. Our aim is to keep Glenbrook as a welcoming activity centre and hub, and have already secured a camping licence for the centre. We are also planning on working with an outdoor adventure centre to bring further activities.
“Over the years, thousands of girls, young women and youth groups from across the country have visited this unique and much-loved venue to develop leadership, teamwork and community skills, and we now look forward to playing a part in preserving this site, enhancing its facilities and introducing, and welcoming, a whole new tranche of visitors to experience what Glenbrook and the surrounding area has to offer.”
The sale was one of five historic activity centres being closed and sold off by Girlguiding after decades of use and were run as part of the movement, but also available for hire by the public and other organisations. Denise Wilson, Chair of Girlguiding’s Board of Trustees, and Tracy Foster, Chief Guide and Trustee, said the sale had followed a carefully considered process to find the correct new owners.
“We’re proud to see Glenbrook continue as a space for adventure and connection. The new owners’ plans mean the site will remain open and accessible to the local community and Girlguiding members alike, ensuring our legacy lives on.”
The money from the sale of the activity centres will go into a designated fund to honour the legacy of the properties and enable investment in the future of Girlguiding to include offering grants and better experiences, plus to support its future by improving digital tools and making archives accessible to all.
Travis Wood, Senior Associate Commercial Property Solicitor at MD Law who acted for Glenbrook Holdings, said: “It has been a pleasure to be able to work with, and support Andrew and Gill on this exciting new project to bring a much loved venue back into use.”
MD Law’s commercial property team advises on all aspects of work including freehold and leasehold sales and acquisitions; landlord and tenant work; new lease and lease renewals for business owners, investors, individuals and partnerships. The firm also offers expert legal services in insolvency, dispute resolution, corporate, commercial and employment matters to its nationwide clients.
For further information contact MD Law on 0114 299 4890 or email info@mdlaw.co.uk For further information and bookings at Glenbrook visit www.hopevalleyholidays.com
