Outdoor activity centre at reservoir could reopen

A campaign is under way to reopen a former outdoor activity centre which was enjoyed by generations of children before its closure.

Scout Dike in Penistone operated for many years as a base for school, Scout and Guide trips.

The centre was run on a tenancy by Kingswood, but the company went into administration in January 2025 and the lease was handed back to Barnsley Council.

Now a group is hoping to have the building listed as an asset of community value to ensure the site can remain for young people to use in the future.

The centre is built on a World War Two military camp which was acquired by the council after the war ended.

It originally shut in 2000, but a charity was established to operate it and by 2004 it was being leased commercially. Kingswood took over in 2006.

Nick Stubbs, who is leading the campaign, said: "Scout Dike is about 60 years old and was originally sold by a landowner with the purpose of it being an outdoor activity centre.

"Kingswood, a wider group of outdoor activity centres nationwide, ran it but when the sector was hit pretty hard after Covid, Scout Dike closed and has sat redundant ever since.

"It was almost always full through local schools so we're aware of its enormous emotional attachment with people in Barnsley."

The centre had around 120 beds, a swimming pool and offered watersports on Scout Dike reservoir.

Former PE teacher Darren Padgett is part of the campaign, having taken many pupils to Scout Dike.

"There were day-long hikes, canoeing on the reservoir, off-road biking trips and team games on the field.

"Every time I meet ex-pupils they always say what brilliant times they had at Scout Dike and we hope there will be more brilliant times to come."

Stubbs said exact plans for the site were still being discussed but there were "enormous opportunities" and campaigners were looking at setting up a community interest company.

"We are looking at creating a place where people can learn social agriculture and cooking skills because there's 10 acres of land.

"We're well aware the buildings are dated but there isn't anything which justifies them being demolished.

"There is a trans-generational thing here, getting the community involved in rebuilding it and sharing those plumbing, woodworking and electrician skills with younger people."

Barnsley Council responded to a Freedom of Information request to confirm the site has been marketed for sale on Rightmove and approaches made to a number of individuals and companies interested in the property. The council is currently considering its future use.

If it was listed as an asset of community value, the community would be granted up to six months to prepare a bid and raise funds to buy the building.

The council is under no obligation to sell to the community, or reduce the price, but the designation gives local people a fair chance to compete.

Matt O'Neill, executive director for place at Barnsley Council, said: "We are currently reviewing the future of Scout Dike. We understand the community's interest in preserving this location and have already offered to meet with the group leading the asset of community value application.

"We look forward to discussing the plans for the site with them to ensure all voices are heard as we consider the next steps."

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