Young people 'at heart' of new £3.8m Swindon centre

Work has begun to create a new multi-million pound youth centre for Swindon.

The Government's Youth Investment Fund has provided £3.8m to transform the Lyndhurst Centre in Park North.

The design and development is being led by local young people, who will also be involved in the running of the facility when it opens in 2025.

When finished, the state-of-the-art centre is expected to support more than 400 young people each week.

The youth led charity, WAY, have been part of the consultation team for the project.

"It's been amazing to see them [young people] come to life and get excited" said Sandra Ebenezar, 24, from the charity.

"There's a massive need off the back of Covid, isolation has increased massively," she continued.

"A space they [young people] can come to, call their own and have community - they're so excited about that."

'Centre of excellence'

Having a youth centre that's designed and built by young people to service their needs and wants is "the only way it works", said Joel Howarth, 20, from WAY.

"There's such a diversity of experience, background and culture plugging into this project to shape it," he continued.

Swindon Borough Council and local charities are using a 'child first' model for the facility that puts the "child at the centre of everything" said Rosie Rogers, part of the council's children's services team.

This approach will make the centre "stand out as a centre of excellence", she added.

Those involved include STEP Swindon, smash youth project, WAY and Swindon Borough Council

The inclusive facility will have open access youth services for all children aged between 11 and 16 (and up to 25 for those with disabilities).

Facilities will include:

• A hair and beauty hub

• Kitchens with teaching facilities

• Two music booths for solo artists and bands

• A gym

• Counselling spaces

• Youth club facility

• Alternative education facility

• Accessible services for those with special educational needs and disabilities

The Lyndhurst Centre in Park North is being turned into the new youth centre

The Government's Youth Investment Fund has provided £3.8m which will cover the construction costs.

Councillor Paul Dixon - cabinet member for children's social care said that "working in partnership with the community and charities" is essential to secure longer term funding.

The centre is part of Swindon Borough Council's commitment to build what it calls a 'fairer' Swindon.

Councillor Dixon said: “This is a really exciting project and I am so pleased we have begun work to transform this empty building into a fantastic facility for children in Swindon.

“This is what building a fairer Swindon is all about. Ensuring no one is left behind and equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to have a bright start in life.

“I am thrilled young people have been engaged with this project from the start as their input has been invaluable in ensuring we get the right mix of activities in the youth centre.

“I can’t wait to see the centre open next spring.”