During 1985 and 1986 the deteriorating condition of the District Headquarters, with its leaking flat felted roof, was the subject of much discussion, and plans were drawn up to upgrade the building and incorporate an upstairs area with committee meeting rooms and storage areas.

In March 1986 the Northamptonshire County Scouts considered launching an appeal for £250,000 with the proposal to purchase the St. Mary’s Rectory, in Rectory Road, Rushden for use as a County Training Centre.  This concerned the Rushden District as they were about to launch their own appeal for £60,000 to extend and improve their headquarters.  Fortunately the county’s project did not proceed.

During November 1986 the Headquarters Project Appeal for £20,000 was launched to improve the district headquarters.  The Project was to replace the, then, present flat roof with a pitched one, providing committee room, office and storage space.  Also enlarging and improving the toilet and catering facilities.

Full cost projected at about £40,000 of which the County Council had promised £9,400, and fundraising events to date had raised £10,500.  Appeal letters were sent to charitable trusts etc.

The £40,000 project was completed mainly by direct labour (Friends and Scout Leaders) and assistance of the Community Task Force.