New youth centre opens after £2m project

The team behind a new youth centre say it will make a "real difference" to people living on an estate.

The centre in the St Giles area of Lincoln has been three years in the making, after YMCA Lincolnshire took over the management of the building from the city council.

Chris Kirkwood, acting chief executive of the charity, said it was a "wonderful" day, as there had been little provision for young people in St Giles.

"They've got somewhere here, and a group of dedicated youth workers, [to] provide them with everything from fun things to do through to really deep, meaningful interventions that will help to improve their lives," he added.

The facility at St Giles Community Centre, in Swift Gardens, will be open five nights a week, from 15:30 GMT, for people between the ages of 11 and 18. Activities will include arts and crafts, and sports such as parkour.

A previous youth club, which was located next door, had to be demolished after an arson attack in 2016.

The charity, which operates similar centres elsewhere in the city, was granted a 25-year tenancy in January 2022.

It was awarded a £2m grant from the Youth Investment Fund to renovate the centre and create a community hub for young people.

Leo Copsey, youth services manager, said: "It's really important that young people across the city have equal access to youth activities and to advice and guidance from trusted adults.

"I think we will see fewer young people hanging around on the street, a reduction in anti-social behaviour, and more young people engaged with meaningful youth programmes."

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