The future plans for Broneirion are very exciting and show how much we have developed the training centre since Guides Cymru bought it in 1992.

 

They also show how, with a property like Broneirion things never stand still.  There is always work to be done and changes to be made. The challenge for the management is to meet the needs of all our users while retaining the atmosphere which keeps us at the heart of Guiding in Wales. 

 

This special atmosphere is equally valued by our non-Guiding users, and accounts for the continued growth of this side of Broneirions' life.

 Broneirion Improvement Project

There are three objectives:

1. To create extra facilities in the stable block for training and activities, meetings and conferences.

2. To undertake a five year scheme of major repairs and maintenance  to the main house and the stable block

3. To undertake a 10 year management plan for the grounds which will incorporate substantially more car parking space.

(Click to see full image)

 The stable block development

For many years the Broneirion Management Committee has tried to find a way to provide suitable accommodation for disabled guests.  Expert opinion could only find a site for a lift by taking space from our scarce toilets or bathrooms.

 

It has also been a dream for a long time to provide another large room to avoid our beautiful drawing room from having to double as a training room.  Today's leaders expect professional facilities and equipment and more properly equipped training rooms are essential. 

 

It was suggested in May 1998 that if Girlguiding Cymru's headquarters office moved from the stable block into the Broneirion Lodge, the Training Centre could find the much needed extra space.

 

It has taken a lot of discussion and consultation with our architects and surveyors to arrive at plans that were exactly what we needed. Planning permission has been secured.

 Repairs & Maintenance

In May 2000 a Quinquennial Survey of the main house and stable block was undertaken.  This listed major work needed on the structure of the buildings. We knew when we bought Broneirion that serious repairs would be necessary one day.  That day has come.  Although there is a substantial endowment fund, the annual interest will only provide for basic annual maintenance.

 

The main work planned during a 5 year period is -

Repairs & maintenance to the rendering of all external walls

Major fire prevention work including repairs to the fire escape

A 3 year programme of major roof repairs

Repairs and renewal works to chimney stacks, balconies, windows and roof-lights. 

This plan is divided into 3 parts -

1. the management of the woodland, hedges and garden areas

2. the repair and maintenance of the Brownie House

3. the provision of extra car parking

The woodland has been neglected for some time, and a management plan is being produced to cut back hedges, thin some parts of the woods and take out old and damaged trees.  Paths, steps and balustrades will be repaired and maintained and new planting will be undertaken. 

 

The Brownie House has been a well loved holiday home for generations of Brownies, but is now in need of major repairs.  As its use may change when the Stable Block development is complete, it is planned to do only basic repairs until its future function becomes clear.

 

Parking has become a major problem at Broneirion. When the house is full the current car park rapidly fills and cars then line the drive in front of the main entrance, causing major damage to the front lawn.  It is intended to provide a large new parking area below the existing car park which will more than double the existing car parking space.

 

The plans will provide in the stable block:

 

On the ground floor -

• a self-contained suite for disabled guest which can also be used for self-catering

• a large training/conference room which can be divided into 2 smaller rooms

• a crèche

• an internet room

• a covered area for activities

• utility  & storage space

• 8 toilets

• a Guide shop with storeroom

On the first floor -

• self-contained bunkroom accommodation for a group of young people with their leaders

• en-suite single and twin rooms as overflow from the main house or for holiday accommodation

• a training kitchen/meeting room/lounge

• accommodation which could be used for residential staff or holiday accommodation.

 

There will be two newly built areas, one which will be a two storey section linking the main house to the stable block, and the other an extension built beyond the existing building which will house the Guide shop with the bunk room above.

 

There will also be some alterations to the rear of the main house to provide extra dining and kitchen space.  This will include an exterior amphitheatre for outdoor dining or campfires.