Young people design new waterfront centre

Young people worked with architects to design how they would like to use a new building

Young people have worked with architects to design their ideal new waterfront base to serve as their support hub.

Youth charity 4YP currently has a building on Lower Brook Street in Ipswich and, following discussions with the young people it works with, plans have been developed to move to an empty unit at Regatta Quay.

Gavin Stone, the charity's chief executive, said: "A couple of years ago, young people said to me we will probably need something a little different... a bit more fit-for-purpose.

"So we handed it over to an organisation called Make Architects who have been working with young people for the last two years, and who have come up with all of the designs."

Kiara, 15, Gavin Stone and Reece, 17,

Reece, 17, has been going to groups run by 4YP for five years.

"There was an opportunity to go and make more friends, do more in the afternoons and evenings instead of just being bored after school," he said.

He was involved in developing designs for the new base.

Kiara, 15, also goes to groups, and felt it helped her develop.

"I do clubs after school, which is Walk and Talk and Girls Group," she said.

"We do baking, we've gone on walks, we are going to the panto - so many opportunities.

"I'm more confident speaking in front of other people, and in my mental health."

The potential new space is inside the Regatta Quay building on the Ipswich waterfront

The charity is exploring funding opportunities to make the plans a reality, but are optimistic.

Mr Stone added: "4YP are seeking to respond to the mandate young people have provided by working with others to evolve a vacant waterfront premises into a flagship youth centre, as part of the wider regeneration of Ipswich town centre."

He said the ability to develop buildings that had outside space was limited in the town centre itself, but moving slightly further south to the waterfront meant they could provide "a more positive and aspirational vista".