A NEW youth centre is to be built on Denton Island thanks to a half million pound grant.

The grant was awarded for the centre from the Big Lottery Fund.

There will be three weekly evening drop in advice and guidance sessions for young people aged 11 to 18.

Sussex Community Development Association secured the funding.

The centre, in Newhaven, is due to be completed by summer 2019.

Lucy Hill, Family and Youth Project manager, said: “Young people have expressed the need for a purpose-built youth centre for many years.

“Receiving this funding means that we can provide what they need and more.

“Young people have been at the heart of the designing and fundraising for this, along with representatives from East Sussex Fire and Rescue, Sussex Police, Seahaven Academy, Newhaven Town Council, Lewes District Council and the Newhaven Young People’s Forum.

“We are all very excited for this to become a reality and welcome others to come and join in”

Over the past ten years, an annual youth survey consistently highlighted the need for a purpose-built youth centre for Newhaven residents.

Newhaven Young People’s Forum has been supporting the Sussex Community Development Association and a multi-agency group to build evidence, consult with community members, raise funds and design the centre.

This building will be used for a wide range of activities for young people, including music, art, mental health and wellbeing support and information advice and guidance services.

It will aim to reduce antisocial behaviour, provide a safe space for young people and support with the quick access to services.

University of Brighton’s School of Architecture students and an architect from Kirkland Fraser Moor worked with young people at Denton Youth Club.

They started designing and constructing fixtures and fittings, including door handles, light shades and kitchen unit doors.

The students will also be designing and constructing the cladding for the building, which is being provided from waste materials by Veolia.

SCDA now needs support from businesses to fit out the youth centre with fixtures and fittings of the building and equipment.

If you think you could help, contact Lucy Hill on 01273 517250.

Sussex Community Development Association is a charitable organisation which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017.