The Development Team
Our Development Team is a sub team of the Land Trustees who are responsible for the Mill Pool Woodland site. It is independent from the 1st Solihull Scout Group and The Socut Association. The primary purpose of the Development Team is to safeguard the future of the Mill Pool Woods and develop the Buildings, Grounds and Facilities at the Mill Pool for the betterment of scouting for years to come.
The work the development team is involved in and completes is detailed in the timeline below.
2025
Millpool Regeneration
Work began with contractor Ebsford Environmental conducting a full depth survey of the Mill Pool to assess the volume of silt requiring removal in a future phase. This silt removal will help restore original water depth, improve water quality, maintain safe drainage and better support wildlife.
The team also carried out essential tree works, including the removal of storm-felled trees and selective canopy reduction to increase light levels reaching the water.
Lighting Upgrades
Several lighting upgrades were carried out to improve safety and visibility across the site. New security lighting was installed on the side of the Gordon Wilcox Building to assist those using and exiting the site after dark.
The driveway lighting cable—originally laid over 40 years ago—was fully replaced following recurring faults that had caused the lights to fail. The new cable now provides a reliable, long-term solution; however, digging the replacement trench proved to be a substantial task.
Floodlights were also installed to illuminate the front field, greatly enhancing visibility for evening activities, and new lawn floodlights were added to further brighten key outdoor areas.
2024
Fence installation
The planning and construction of a new secure fence running the entirety of Henley Cresent. Providing more security to both residents as well as the scout grounds. Built using metal posts and wire mesh fence.
Culvert retaining wall renewal
The culvert retaining walls have been monitored over the years due to crack forming over time that left unchecked could lead to collapse of walls, the blocking of the culvert entrance and water retention and flooding of the land of the Mill Pool woods.
SMBC Senior Engineer Jamie Horsley from the Projects and Highway Infrastructure team led the Project, Main Contractor was Balfour Beatty and the on-site team completing the works was from Haystoun Construction.
- October Work starts on-site.
- November SMBC assist the Culvert project by felling a tree of significant size…
- Project completed in early January.
New Wood store
A new building was constructed to help dry wood ready for fire lighting, making the site safer for both the contents and users of the site.
2021
Drive Resurfacing
Thanks to the dedication of our Development Team and leadership from Chris Dunster, Group Liaison, the previously stone-covered driveway and car park was professionally transformed during October 2021 and completed in time for our Bonfire Night celebrations.
Key contributors included:
- Tarmac Ltd – Main Contractor
- G & N Groundworks of Telford – Ground preparation
- Premier – Tarmac laying specialists
From preparing the surface to laying the final topcoat with expert machinery (and some essential hand-finishing touches), the project became a fantastic effort all round. The new surface is a brilliant improvement and will benefit the site and visitors for many years to come.
2019
Construction of the Outdoor Utility
A new outdoor utility building was constructed to provide secure on-site storage for equipment, tools, and general supplies. Previously, various items were scattered across the garages and sheds of helpful volunteers, which made access and organisation a challenge. Centralising storage on-site not only helped to improve efficiency and accessibility for leaders and volunteers but also ensures better use of the Scout Group’s facilities all year round.
2017
Simon Wilcox Building Refurbishment Begins
Following the return of the Simon Wilcox Building to the Mill Pool Land Trustee, after Solihull Scout County relinquished their lease, the decision was made to modernise the space to unlock its full potential for group and community use.
The building had seen little to no refurbishment prior to its return, so a comprehensive upgrade was undertaken. Works included the installation of a new thermally insulated roof, full electrical rewiring, and a significantly improved heating system. The toilet facilities were redesigned for better layout and accessibility, including the addition of a dedicated disabled toilet and new access ramps at the entrance. The main hall was opened up by removing internal storerooms and replacing them with integrated storage cupboards along the end wall. New windows, external doors, and hard-wearing vinyl plank flooring were also installed. The project was generously supported by suppliers, with the flooring donated by Amtico, roofing material donated, and distribution boards supplied by Legrand.