Oswestry to get new youth centre after funding approved

Young people in Oswestry will get a new youth centre after Shropshire Council received confirmation of a successful funding bid.

The £2,115,877 grant from the Big Lottery Fund will be used to build a new energy-efficient centre which will replace the existing one in Oak Street.

A spokesman said the centre will provide a space for county musicians looking for practice space and host ramps and skateboard equipment.

It is expected to open in June 2012.

The centre will also house a coffee bar and kitchen and young people will be able to talk to staff for advice on careers, housing and other topics of interest.

He added the building had been designed by local young people who were keen to incorporate "green" features.

'All worthwhile'

These include a roof garden and roof windows which allow air circulation, to remove the need for air conditioning.

Adrianne Piers, a young service user, said: "We cannot believe we have got the money. It's been two years of hard work which is now all worthwhile."

The building work will begin with the demolition of the old centre in the near future.

A further grant of £470,000 has already been received from the Department for Education to provide a range of services for young people.