Work has started by Conservative-led East Sussex on an exciting project to create a brand new Youth Centre in Heathfield.
The project is receiving £5 million of investment secured by East Sussex County Council from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.
Cabinet Member, Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler, was there to witness the start of the scheme which involved demolishing the old centre which had served the community well but was out-of-date.
“This project will breathe new life into youth services in Heathfield and it’s great to see it moving forward", he says.
As one of 44 youth projects to benefit across England, and one of two in East Sussex, the funding will help Heathfield Youth Centre boost the regular, positive activities that young people are involved in locally. This will empower them to be active members of their community, whilst boosting their health, wellbeing, skills, and access to new opportunities.
"The original Heathfield youth centre was built in the 1950s and has been added to over the years. As a result, it’s not particularly functional and limits the great work that our youth workers can do.
“The new state-of-the-art youth hub will enable us to offer a wide range of positive activities and support services for young people after school, in the evenings and at the weekends, helping young people build confidence and steering them away from anti-social behaviour in Heathfield.”, said Cllr Bowdler.
The Youth Investment Fund was launched by Government with a call for youth services in the country’s most underserved areas to apply for a slice of funding worth over £300 million.
"Thanks to Best Demolition, a Heathfield-based company", added Cllr Bowdler. "Now the real work can begin and we look forward to the opening of the new building on the same site early in 2025."
Gary McGeown from Best Demolition Group is pictured with Cllr Bob Bowdler
