Outdoor activity centre closes temporarily as HS2 looms near

POPULAR FACILITY USED BY WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AND SCHOOLS

AN outdoor activity centre based in the Colne Valley has announced a temporary forced closure from October 1 as it “finally succumbs” to the advances of HS2.

The Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre (HOAC) is being forced to move due to the huge railway project, which is building part of the national line through the borough.

The popular centre, in Dews Lane, was established as a youth educational charity in 1992 and is run in partnership with Hillingdon Council.

Visitors to the 45-acre lake range from school and youth groups to those training for outdoor qualifications, corporate events and birthday parties.

While centre principal Neil Maddock confirmed that funding is secured for HOAC’s relocation, there will be a temporary closure until it is known where the new spot will be.

Mr Maddock explained this was due to “stalled negotiations” between HS2 and Hillingdon Council over the relocation.

A HS2 spokesperson said the project has put aside £26.5 million for Hillingdon Council to relocate HOAC to a new site.

Mr Maddock said: “At this stage we do not know how long we will be closed for or where our new site will be, however we are pushing the government hard to resolve the stalemate and hopefully in the near future I will be able to share some more positive news.

“We are still hopeful that by next spring we will be operating at a new site.”

The centre boss said the 2020 season had been a “very challenging one” due to the disruption from HS2 and coronavirus, but thanked supporters for keeping the hub going.

“I would also like to thank you for continuing to use the centre, despite having to navigate Dews Lane and the security teams on it,” he said.

“Seeing people making use of the facilities is what keeps us going and helps gain us political support when we are trying to negotiate our future.

“For the past few seasons HOAC has managed, with plenty of support from many influential people, to hold HS2 at bay and be able to continue offering this unique opportunity to a wide range of users. “Those who have used the centre this season will have seen how HS2 are advancing and closing in on us.

“Unfortunately, as already stated, from October 1 we are being forced to close as HS2 will finally take over and destroy our centre.

“We had always planned that when this day would come we would be able to move to a new site and continue our operations elsewhere.”

However, while “at present our future doesn’t look particularly bright”, the centre manager has vowed for HOAC to carry on once re-opened at a new site, which is guaranteed by law.

It continues to reserve group bookings for summer 2021 and expects more updates in the autumn to contact hopeful visitors.

Mr Maddock said: “I do hope you are able to continue to support the centre as we negotiate this latest hurdle in what has been a 10-year battle.

“Once we re-open free from the shackles of the HS2 burden, that has blighted the centre for many seasons, we can again look positively towards the future and start to rebuild the centre and continue to offer the unique facilities that you have all continued to enjoy.”

An HS2 spokesperson added: “We have worked with HOAC to extend their use of the site by two additional seasons, but in October continued safe operation will no longer be possible.

“We recognise the importance of HOAC to the local community and are keen to see progress on the new centre as soon possible.”

Hillingdon Council has been contacted for comment.

Those who have used the centre this season will have seen how HS2 are advancing and closing in on us Neil Maddock