A large investment in improved facilities for young people by revitalising two new Youth Hubs looks set in Conservative-run East Sussex.
The money will come from a successful grant application for a completely new youth centre in Heathfield and a transformation of The Joff youth centre in Peacehaven. Work will begin shortly on both projects, with sustainability to the fore, and due to be completed by March 2025.
Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler, the Lead Member for Children and Families, has today (21 June) given the go-ahead for over £8m to be spent providing new facilities for young people in the Heathfield and Peacehaven areas.
“This is an enormously welcome investment in our youth facilities”, says Cllr Bowdler. “It will make a huge difference to the lives of young people in the county and I have no hesitation in approving the recommendation to enter into the grant agreement.”
The proposed centres will provide increased facilities for 11-19 year olds, and up to the age of 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities. It is hoped that a wide range of community organisers will become partners, delivering sessions seven-days-a-week once the building works are completed. It is possible that the sessions could attract up to 50 young people at a time.
Users and leaders of the two centres, as well as the wider communities, have been instrumental in determining what will be provided. During early consultation, young people said they wanted somewhere to meet where they felt safe and could do activities, staffed by adults who would listen and which could be available after school or at weekends.
“These views have framed what will be provided”, added Cllr Bowdler. “and I am pleased that community groups will be involved in providing activities and services alongside those from East Sussex County Council. There will be a wide range of sessions at the centres, providing something for everyone”.
The grant would include almost £400,000 to kick-start the centres with specialist staff and activities as well as for temporary facilities so that young people can still meet during the building works.
