Fresh funding for Hampshire outdoor centres – including Stubbington which chiefs wanted to shut for good

The ‘ringfenced’ funding will be used for essential maintenance to ensure safety and maintain operational standards.

The move follows a Cabinet decision in March 2025, which had initially proposed transforming Stubbington into a specialist secure children’s home.

After strong public opposition, council members requested a long-term business plan for the education and outdoor centres.

The centres have demonstrated strong financial performance, with their operational budgets improving by approximately £480,000 over the past three years and are expected to at least break even by 2026.

Hampshire County Council said that the £2 million would be ring fenced but could be reviewed if the council’s financial position deteriorates.

As part of the plan, the council intends to launch a new commercial strategy to attract partnerships and encourage visitors to stay longer at the sites.

The six centres include:

• Calshot Activities Centre – One of Britain’s largest activity centres on the Solent, offering water and land-based activities from historic hangars.
• Minstead Study Centre – A New Forest environmental centre focused on sustainability and school visits.
• Runway’s End Outdoor Centre – Woodland centre by the Basingstoke Canal offering adventure and environmental activities.
• Stubbington Study Centre – Coastal centre providing residential school visits and outdoor education linked to wildlife habitats.
• Tile Barn Outdoor Centre – 14-acre New Forest site with bunkhouse accommodation, camping, and adventure activities.

The council says the investment from reserves will help future proof the centres, supporting educational and recreational programmes.

The proposal will be reviewed by the select committee on Monday, November 10, with Cabinet expected to approve the earmarking of £2 million the following day.