Youth centre could be sold off after bids rejected

A youth club in Kent has called on the community to help stop the sale of its headquarters, after two bids to purchase the site were turned down.

Kent County Council (KCC) previously signalled its intention to sell Ramsgate Youth Centre, the home of youth charity Pie Factory Music.

After two unsuccessful bids to buy the building, chief executive Zoë Carassik said it was "crunch time" for the charity, which has served the Ramsgate community since 1969.

"If we don't secure this building for our continued use, there will be no dedicated youth centre in Thanet for vulnerable young people to turn to, at a time when they need it the most," she said.

Ms Carassik said the charity, which is used by more than 1,000 young people every year, had yet to receive a "clear rationale" explaining why the bids had been rejected.

Ramsgate Youth Centre was put up for sale in September amid council efforts to balance its budget.

The council, which cut youth services across Kent by about £900,000 last year, said it needed to make an estimated £118m in savings this year.

A spokesperson for KCC said: "Following the decision not to renew commissioned Youth Services contracts last year, the Ramsgate Youth Centre is no longer required to support the delivery of youth services.

"The council will be progressing with the sale of it in line with our normal processes."

The council added that the proceeds from any sale would be "reinvested to support the council's operational services".

"As part of this process, along with others, the Pie Factory will be able to express an interest," the spokesperson added.

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