Plans for charity-run children's centre approved

The centre has been designed to look like a farm building

Plans for a charity-run children's centre offering a place for young people to socialise and learn new skills have been approved in York.

The venue, on New Lane, Huntingdon, will have facilities including a recording studio, performance space, cafe and play area.

The Island charity said it wanted to offer a place where disadvantaged children could go following a decline in youth clubs in the city.

The centre will also be used as a new home for the charity, which said it had helped more than 3,000 young people in the city since it was founded in 2007.

The venue will have a recording studio, performance space and cafe

The hub was designed to resemble a farm building and an outdoor gym, meadows and sensory garden will also be created at the site.

The charity said its plans were put together with input from its staff, mentors, and the young people it worked with, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

In a planning statement a spokesperson for the organisation said: "Youth provision across the city has diminished and existing services are struggling.

"The Island is providing an exemplary and essential service that supports children whose wellbeing is in danger, by providing positive role models."

It added: "The space we are creating will help define the future of our city, talented young people will be in an environment where they can explore and realise their potential, whilst providing support, friendship and inspiration to their peers."

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