Council Approves Sale of Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre to Local Charity
Southampton City Council has given the green light for the sale of the Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre’s Stoneham site to local charity Southampton City Scouts, in a move set to transform the site into a vibrant community and youth-focused hub.
The decision includes a lease agreement with Above Board Limited for the site’s Mill Building and forms part of the council’s broader Leisure Strategy to improve access to healthy, active lifestyles across the city.
Woodmill, located on the River Itchen, has long been a popular destination for outdoor activities such as paddle sports, climbing, and school holiday programmes. Under the new ownership, Southampton City Scouts will take on the role of lead operator, with plans to develop the site into Southampton’s first dedicated youth campsite and the only non-profit outdoor activity centre in the city.
The Scouts aim to broaden access to outdoor adventure for young people and families across all communities in Southampton. With support from over 20 local charities, community groups, and environmental partners, including the Wessex Rivers Trust and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the organisation is positioning Woodmill as a flagship site for inclusive, nature-based experiences.
Joshua Smith, Lead Volunteer for Southampton City Scouts, said:
“We’re really excited to be leading a community-led future for Woodmill, unlocking new opportunities for Scouts and non-Scouts from across the city. At our vision’s heart is bringing communities together and ensuring that every young person in our city can access affordable, inclusive, and meaningful adventure.
“Scouting has been enriching the lives of young people in Southampton for over 100 years and we are delighted that Woodmill will now be a part of our next chapter. We will continue to use the centre to help young people develop skills for life and meaningful adventure for the entire community.”
The freehold of the site will be divided between Southampton City Scouts and Southern Water. The Scouts will take ownership of the main activity area, including Stoneham Lodge, the pond, and all activity equipment—creating a central base for youth engagement and community programming.
Southern Water will manage areas with ecological significance, including the riverbanks, sluices, wetlands, and the Salmon Pool. Their focus will be on habitat restoration, conservation, and transforming the surrounding environment into a thriving nature reserve.
Councillor Toqeer Kataria, Cabinet Member for Leisure and People, welcomed the agreement:
“This is a positive outcome for Woodmill and the wider community. The Scouts’ successful bid, in partnership with Southern Water, will ensure the leisure site remains open, active, and accessible for generations to come. This supports our Leisure Strategy and commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
“Southern Water are committed to protecting and improving the environment and health of the community and supporting the local community to lead Woodmill to a new future. They plan to make long-term investments to improve the health of the chalk streams of the River Test and Itchen, whilst improving the riverbanks and making the channels more natural in shape and function.”
Councillor Simon Letts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, also expressed his support:
“Southampton City Scouts will invest significantly in the site, and with their partner organisations, they are well-placed to secure major grants to deliver much-needed capital investment in this unique activity centre.
“Southern Water are also proposing investing significant amounts of money in improving the habitats and river environment along this important stretch of the Itchen.”
With a shared vision for inclusive adventure and environmental stewardship, the new chapter for Woodmill aims to create long-lasting benefits for young people, local residents, and nature alike.