A HISTORIC Scouts hut which stages rehearsals for the Coventry Gang Show has been handed a new lease of life by a makeover to the tune of £20,000.
Scout leaders from the city had appealed for help with renovating the Satchwell Centre, Mossdale Close, Radford.
Rehearsals for the Coventry Gang Show – which has been staged in the city since 1961 – have been held in the building for 15 years.
The Gang Show is a cherished singing and dancing display provided by city Scouts groups, which has taken place for the last 17 years at the Belgrade Theatre.
The poor condition of the building had thrown into doubt whether rehearsals could continue at the venue.
But staff from housing provider HomeWorks – part of WM Housing Group – came together to breathe new life into the building for the scouts and the local community to use.
Contractors were joined by the Scouts members on Saturday (November 17) to put the finishing touches to the project.
The works have seen the building given a complete revamp – including a new floor, new kitchen, new communal room, a complete redecoration, new guttering and facias and work on the grounds of the building.
Production director for the Coventry Gang Show Clive Bennett said: “We are really pleased with all the work that has been done and must express a massive thank you to everyone involved in the project.
“It will make a tremendous difference to rehearsals and the extra space and multi- purpose room will allow us to rehearsal more than one item at the same time.
“The building now looks fresh, is much brighter and has a more modern feel. I have never seen it looking so good.”
Director of homeworks Steve Kirk said: “We were only too pleased to help with this project and we’re delighted with the results.
“We had a great day working with the Scouts to finish the job and we really hope they enjoy using the new facilities.
“We really hope this can be a great space for the Scouts to rehearse for their annual show and a space for the community to use.”
