Work has begun on a new Swindon youth centre which will offer everything from counselling services and education to a gym and music recording facilities.
Backed by £3.8m from the Government's Youth Investment fund, the Swindon Borough Council facility at the Lyndhurst Centre site will be able to support more than 400 children and young people per week.
It is a key priority in the council’s corporate plan, the Swindon Plan, and aligns with one of the local authority's stated missions - to Build a Fairer Swindon.
Ward councillors, borough council officials, members of the building team, key representatives of local organisations and the media gathered at the site to see the work in progress.
Cllr Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “This is a really exciting project and I am so pleased we have begun work to transform this empty building into a fantastic facility for children in Swindon.
“This is what building a fairer Swindon is all about. Ensuring no one is left behind and equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to have a bright start in life.
“I am thrilled young people have been engaged with this project from the start as their input has been invaluable in ensuring we get the right mix of activities in the youth centre.
“I can’t wait to see the centre open next spring.”
The inclusive centre will have open access youth services for all children and young people aged between 11 and 16, and aged up to 25 for people with disabilities, in Swindon, offering a Child First model designed to support children to access services to avoid potential harm outside the home.
The Lyndhurst Centre building is being fully refurbished by local contractor RJ Leighfield and a wide range of activities will be available to children, with local youth support services SMASH Youth Project, STEP Swindon and WAY engaged as a partnership to deliver much needed services and opportunities.
Toby, 17, one of the Young Changemakers from WAY, said: “For too long others have decided what’s best for us young people. Now it’s our turn.”
Fellow Young Changemaker, Xavdryn,16, added: “It’s going to be amazing for young people as there aren’t many spaces currently that are made for young people, by young people.”
Young people have also been involved in the project from the start, advising on the types of activities they would like to see in the centre to keep those that use it engaged.
They have not only been consulted on all aspects of the facility, but will also have important roles as the provision takes shape, such as being involved in a management committee for the centre.
Among the facilities on offer will be:
- A hair and beauty hub
- Kitchens with teaching facilities
- Two music booths for solo artists and bands
- A gym
- Counselling spaces
- A youth club facility
- An alternative education facility
- Accessible services for users with special educational needs and disabilities
The building which is on track to be complete in March 2025 will be open from 8am until 10pm.
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.
It is a key priority in the council’s corporate plan, the Swindon Plan, and aligns with one of the local authority's stated missions - to Build a Fairer Swindon.
Ward councillors, borough council officials, members of the building team, key representatives of local organisations and the media gathered at the site to see the work in progress.
Cllr Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “This is a really exciting project and I am so pleased we have begun work to transform this empty building into a fantastic facility for children in Swindon.
“This is what building a fairer Swindon is all about. Ensuring no one is left behind and equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to have a bright start in life.
“I am thrilled young people have been engaged with this project from the start as their input has been invaluable in ensuring we get the right mix of activities in the youth centre.
“I can’t wait to see the centre open next spring.”
The inclusive centre will have open access youth services for all children and young people aged between 11 and 16, and aged up to 25 for people with disabilities, in Swindon, offering a Child First model designed to support children to access services to avoid potential harm outside the home.
The Lyndhurst Centre building is being fully refurbished by local contractor RJ Leighfield and a wide range of activities will be available to children, with local youth support services SMASH Youth Project, STEP Swindon and WAY engaged as a partnership to deliver much needed services and opportunities.
Toby, 17, one of the Young Changemakers from WAY, said: “For too long others have decided what’s best for us young people. Now it’s our turn.”
Fellow Young Changemaker, Xavdryn,16, added: “It’s going to be amazing for young people as there aren’t many spaces currently that are made for young people, by young people.”
Young people have also been involved in the project from the start, advising on the types of activities they would like to see in the centre to keep those that use it engaged.
They have not only been consulted on all aspects of the facility, but will also have important roles as the provision takes shape, such as being involved in a management committee for the centre.
Among the facilities on offer will be:
- A hair and beauty hub
- Kitchens with teaching facilities
- Two music booths for solo artists and bands
- A gym
- Counselling spaces
- A youth club facility
- An alternative education facility
- Accessible services for users with special educational needs and disabilities
The building which is on track to be complete in March 2025 will be open from 8am until 10pm.
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.
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