Mayor sees new Youth Centre emerge

In October 2008 Connexions, won a £2.9 million MYPLACE bid for a new youth facility in Delaware Road , Shoebury to replace the old, much-used centre.

Building work began last summer, and the brand new premises are due to be opened on Saturday 17th July by Rachel Riley from Channel 4's Countdown, at a launch event attended by other dignitaries.

From then on, the building will be open to young people and members of the community, who will be invited to tour the new facilities. These include:  

• Full size sports hall
• Climbing wall
• Gym
• Dance studio
• Media Lab
• Recording Studio
• Band Rehearsal space
• Restaurant (run by partners YMCA)
• Youth Volunteering Centre (run by partners V)
• Garage for bike and car workshops.

Among the features, the YMCA in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Connexions team will provide a restaurant with a fully equipped training kitchen.

This will enable young people to gain skills within the catering and front of house service area.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Brian Smith, said: "We very much enjoyed our visit to see how much progress has been made towards building these dynamic new premises.

"When it opens in the summer, the new Shoebury Youth Centre will benefit people across the town.

"I urge people to take note of the opening date and come along to see for themselves all the opportunities on offer."

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Local Service Manager (East) Janice Lyons, said: "We are extremely excited about this 'state of the art' youth facility for young people and families within Southend.

"We welcome people to come along on Saturday 17th July, to join in our celebration and have a look round the new centre.

For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702-215000 ext 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk.