Funding for £3.8m Swindon youth centre confirmed

The Lyndhurst Centre in Park North will be converted into a youth centre

Young people in Swindon will soon have a new youth centre to make their own.

£3.8m from Central Government's Youth Investment Fund will transform the currently empty Lyndhurst Centre in Park North.

The inclusive facility will provide open access youth services and offer interventions designed to deter young people from potential trouble.

Councillor Paul Dixon said it will "improve the quality of life" of children.

Activities that will be on offer to children and young people will include music, cooking sessions, health and beauty, health and fitness, and informal education.

There will also be activities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) and opportunities for young people to engage with local training and employment opportunities in the borough.

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet approved the funding in September last year and work is already taking place to refurbish the existing Lyndhurst Centre this year ahead of a planned opening in March 2025.

Mr Dixon, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for children's social care, said he was "very pleased" the funding had been confirmed as it is a "big boost for the borough's young people".

He added: "We want to make sure children and young people have these spaces where they can go, interact with each other, and learn valuable skills.

"Not only will it improve their quality of life, but it will also have an impact in making Swindon safer for future generations.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the transformation of the building and welcoming people through its doors next year."