New £3.8m youth centre officially opens

A brand new youth centre, designed by young people, has opened.

The inclusive centre, called 'The Base', has been set up by Swindon Borough Council and will provide services for children aged between 11 and 16.

The redevelopment of the site in Park North, formerly known as the Lyndhurst Centre, has been funded by a £3.8m grant from the Government's Youth Investment Fund.

Three charities, SMASH, STEP and WAY, have also been involved in the project.

Young people were consulted on what they would like to have in the centre and will also be involved in a management committee.

New facilities will include a gym, a hair and beauty hub, an alternative education facility, music booths and a kitchen with teaching provisions.

Asked about the costs involved in running the centre, which could be up to £500,000 a year, councillor Paul Dixon, from Swindon Borough Council, said: "It's about investing to save.

"It's about involving the young people and involving the community, it's involving the charities and looking at all sections of the community, how we can all work together to bring in additional funding.

"I think in the long term it will reap rewards and we can build on the successes."

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.

The building will be open from 08:00 until 22:00 daily.

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