A number of Harrogate businesses have joined the fundraising campaign to complete the build of the Birk Crag residential centre.

The Birk Crag Centre is Girlguiding North Yorkshire West County’s new activity, training and residential centre and has been in construction since Spring 2019.

However the Girlguiding group are still in need of help to complete the final fittings.

The fundraiser, organised by Kiss & Makeup, will be taking place from 10am – 1pm on Saturday 3rd July at Burley Avenue Community Centre.

Local businesses that have agreed to take part include Candy Cravings Harrogate, L & N Candles, Lilybet Loves, Masks Made by Me and Painting Pots Knaresborough.

Access to the venue is available from A59 Skipton Road despite ‘road closed’ signs.

https://www.facebook.com/sherre.hinds/posts/10160327520862814

Birk Crag Centre

The previous building at the Birk Crag Centre dated back to 1967 and had been used by local girlguiding groups including Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

However, after more than 50 years of use, the building was deemed no longer fit for purpose and demolished in 2018.

Planning Permission was granted to reconstruct the centre, with the build starting in Spring 2019, however work is still needed to complete the project.

The new centre will provide a hall seating of 120, as well as activity and meeting rooms, a dining room, small lounge, kitchen and County office to support members.

Sam Jennings, Division Commissioner for Harrogate North, said:

“The Birk Crag Community Project is not just about Girlguiding. The centre will be able to be used by other groups in the area. We hope it will be a hub for people coming together especially after the last year of not seeing anyone.

“The centre will have accommodation upstairs, there will be a permanent Guiding shop… It is something we are all looking forward to finishing!”

The Girlguiding group are also holding a bake sale on the first Saturday of every month at Birk Crag – more information can be found via social media.

Read more about the project and contribute to the fundraising campaign here.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.