Great news for Oswestry – new youth centre awarded funding

Young people in Oswestry will soon benefit from a new, state-of-the-art youth centre following last week’s (7 April 2011) confirmation that Shropshire Council’s bid for funding has been successful.

The £2,115,877 grant from Big Lottery will be used to build the new energy-efficient centre which will replace the existing facility in Oak Street.  It is expected to open in June 2012.

The centre will provide a space for local musicians looking for practice space, and host ramps and skateboard equipment which will be used inside and outside the building.

There will also be a large coffee bar and kitchen, and young people will be able to access staff who can give advice on careers, housing and much more.

The impressive building which will house these great facilities has been designed by local young people who were very keen to incorporate many ‘green’ features.  Consequently, it will have many energy-saving elements such as roof windows to promote air circulation, removing the need for expensive air conditioning and a striking roof garden.

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.”

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said:

“This is absolutely fantastic news. We have waited a long time for confirmation of funding and the young people of Oswestry should be truly proud of themselves.  Together with officers they have worked hard to bring this project to life.

“Through consultation events with the local community this has been a partnership approach and has shown immense commitment by all involved. This shows the importance of youth work to the people of Oswestry and I am proud to have been associated with such a groundbreaking venture.

“The next stage will be extremely busy and exciting and the young people of Oswestry and the surrounding area will have a fantastic new centre.  Well done to all involved and a huge thank you Big Lottery for their funding.”

Vince Hunt, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry West and young people’s champion, said:

“This is great news for young people in Oswestry, many of whom have put lots of time and effort into the project.  I would like to personally thank the team of dedicated officers for their hard work.  It’ll be a fantastic building, offering excellent services for our young people.”

The building work will now progress in earnest with the contractors ready to begin demolition in the very near future.

A further grant of £470,000 has already been received from the Department for Education for co-locating a range of important services for young people.