Plans to rejuvenate a youth project begin this evening in what organisers hope will transform the area for future generations.
The Brighton Youth Centre - which opened its doors back in 1917 - is hoping to raise more than £6 million in attempts to overhaul the site’s existing building in Edward Street.
Initial plans for the project will commence tonight at the centre (27th September), with its first meeting ultimately aiming to lead to the site becoming a city-wide hub, supporting up to 3,000 local people every year.
The Centre’s CEO, Mike Roe, believes the rebuild will empower young people with various skills throughout Brighton, as well as allowing existing projects like B-Fest to continue to thrive.
He said: “Brighton Youth Centre has been delivering youth work to young people from across the city for over 100 years.
“However, our much-loved building is in need of a complete overhaul to make it accessible, and ensure that it is there for generations to come.
“We have applied for government funding and have support from the council to make it happen, so we would love to hear from anyone who has used Brighton Youth Centre in the past, or would just like to support youth work provision in the area.”
It is hoped a new centre will have four floors, to allow youngsters to experience an environment that incorporates all the key features of the site’s existing building, notably a skatepark, a sports hall, performance space, as well as counselling/health rooms and an art workshop, all of which will be open seven days a week, after school and at weekends.
The centre also works with more than 20 partner organisations who use it for their headquarters, with specialist services for young people who are care-experienced, on the autistic spectrum, LGBTQI+, and asylum seekers. Those experiencing mental health issues and homelessness also currently benefit from its existence.
The venue currently operates with a wide demographic of youths in attendance, ranging from 12- to 21-year-olds, with more than half of those participating from October 2021 to March 2022 being between 14 and 16 years-old.
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