Work to start soon on state-of-the-art youth centre in Oswestry
Work to build a brand new, state-of-the-art facility for young people in Oswestry will begin in earnest next week (Thursday 9 June 2011) when the first brick is laid.
The £2.85 million project, which is being made possible by various Government grants, will replace the existing facility in Oak Street, and is expected to open in summer 2012.
Once complete, the energy-efficient centre will boast rooms for local musicians looking for practice space, ramps and skateboard equipment which will be used inside and outside the building, and provide a new home for the town’s St John’s Group and their ambulance.
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.
It’ll also include many clever design features such as an internal pod which looks like the brow of a ship, which will house a world-class IT system.
Adrianne Piers, a young person who has been involved with the project from the beginning, said:
“I think this is a fantastic moment. I can’t believe the first brick is soon going to be laid. I can’t wait to see it open.”
Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for youth provision, said:
“It is fantastic that this much-anticipated work will begin next week. Together with officers, the young people of Oswestry have worked so hard on this project and I’m so pleased that they are now starting to see it come 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, said:
“I am naturally delighted that this project is at last going ahead. I have been involved with this for nearly two years now, and I am very aware of how important this is to young people in Oswestry, and how it will be a focus for youth work in the area.
“I am sure it will help to inspire some of our youngsters, not just now, but for years to come, adding value to their lives by allowing a variety of different organisations and projects to inspire them. I am truly excited about this, and thankful to all who have put so much effort into making this happen.”
A £2,115,877 grant for this project was awarded by Big Lottery in 7 April 2011 and a further grant of £470,000 has been received from the Department for Education for co-locating a range of important services for young people.
To ensure young people continue to receive services whilst the building work is being completed, alternative arrangements have been made. At the moment young people are meeting at the council building on Holbache road.
If you would like to know more about the building or want to take part in the activities at Holbache Road contact Miriam Turner, positive activities co-ordinator for the north, on 01691 654175.
