New life is being injected into a green space in the Golden Triangle area of Norwich.

Using money from the sale of an old scout hut on Gloucester Street, the Southern Norwich Scouts are turning their headquarters on Jessopp Road into a focal point for a merged scout group and the local community.

Near the turning to Glebe Road lies a large open area of land, an old hut and out houses. These will be knocked down and a modern facility complete with IT suite, central heating, purpose-built kitchen and multiple meeting rooms will be built, starting early next year.

The Gloucester Street hut housed members of the 28th Norwich Scouts but closed two years ago. They merged with the 19th and 14th groups to form the 33rd Norwich scouts who currently rent St Anne's Church on Colman Road.

Intake has gone up 20pc since the merger and it is hoped that having one HQ and a central setting will attract yet more, including adult leaders, and youth groups in daytime.

Matthew Burrell, district commisioner for the scouts, who also oversees the 33rd, said: 'It will be a focus for the area's scouting. It has so much space. We can focus on our core, the outdoors.

'We want the community to use it. We want it to become the centre of the community. We teach practical skills and relationship skills, I think some miss out on that.

'They come from all walks of life and learn the value of respecting others, which translates into respecting their neighbours. Our kids go out and want to help the community.'

To inquire about the building call Simon Mobbs on 07711 323211.

Is your area changing? Call Joe Wilkes on 01603 772 439 or email as below.