More than 70 years of residential stays at East Barnby Outdoor Centre could end after council chiefs were advised to cancel planned investment in the centre and use alternative facilities.
Officers at North Yorkshire Council made the recommendation after surveys found the centre near Whitby needs significant investment over the next three years to reopen and remain operational.
The centre temporarily closed in December last year amid concerns about the condition of the electrics.
In 2023, the council agreed a £4.2m revamp of its Bewerley Park and East Barnby centres, but while the site near Pateley Bridge was successfully modernised, work never took place on the east coast facility.
The authority’s executive will be asked next week to approve plans to cease capital investment at the site, terminate its lease with the Mulgrave Estate and formally end outdoor learning provision from the site.
Officers say outdoor education can continue to be offered from Birch Hall Scout Camp, between Whitby and Scarborough, until July 2028 while it considers longer-term options.
The camp has been used by the council on a trial basis since April, after groups were initially transferred to Bewerley Park following the closure of East Barnby.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, said: “For many children and young people, outdoor learning offers the chance to try new experiences, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.
“The proposals being considered seek to ensure there is no disruption to outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people while we consider options for the future delivery of the service on the east coast.”
As well as issues with the electrics, surveys have found problems with asbestos and the general condition of the buildings, as well as concerns about the site’s ageing water system.
Because the site is leased rather than owned by the council, officers say capital expenditure on the site would provide no long-term asset for taxpayers.
The landlord is also not offering a financial contribution towards the work, officers say.
East Barnby has provided residential and day outdoor education for generations of children, with facilities including a climbing wall, orienteering course, ski slope and mountain bike skills track.
During the 2025/26 academic year, around 1,700 primary pupils from 48 schools attended residential stays.
The council acknowledges its location is particularly important for children from deprived communities around Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.
Officials admit the proposed replacement would be smaller.
Birch Hall has 80 beds compared with East Barnby’s 152 and would generally be available only from Tuesday to Friday during term time.
A report prepared for next week’s meeting acknowledges this means some established groups which use the service during weekends and school holidays could no longer be accommodated.
These include organisations working with young people with additional needs and those from deprived or rural communities.
The report adds: “This loss of capacity would directly impact many young people, with additional needs or from deprived or rural communities, who rely on these visits for education, respite, confidence-building, and essential family support.”
The change would also require a staffing restructure, with potential redundancies.
A minimum 30-day consultation with employees and unions is expected to begin in September if the proposals are approved.
Councillors will be asked to approve the proposals when the executive meets on Tuesday, August 18.
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