Plans to create a new state-of-the-art multi-million-pound hub for young people in the city centre moved a step closer at the children, young people and skills (CYPS) committee on 8 March.
Councillors agreed to support plans to form a partnership with Onside, a national that aims to build a network of 21st century Youth Centres (Youth Zones), and Brighton Youth Centre to bid for funding to develop a space in in the centre of the city.
The creation of the Youth Zone would provide thousands of local young people, including those with a disability, affordable access to high quality sports, arts, leisure facilities and other activities even days a week, 52 weeks of the year.
Councillor Hannah Clare, chair of the CYPS committee, said: “Youth services are incredibly vital to supporting young people and I’m thrilled we are one step closer to providing a new Brighton Youth Centre. Where youth centres across the country are closing, we are doing all we can to keep these vital services running.
“Brighton Youth Centre already supports many young people – but the facilities need investment, especially to improve accessibility. The new Youth Zone would not only offer great facilities, but it would also provide services that support employability, wellbeing and health, helping those who need additional support.
“At the same time, we have increased the amount of funding available to providers in the East, West and North of the city too, showing our commitment to high-quality services throughout Brighton and Hove.”
The initiative will depend on accessing the Government’s Youth Investment Fund (YIF) which was set up in 2019 to help build new youth centres and revamp existing sites.
Councillor Clare added; “In order to see this project progress, we are dependent on the Youth Investment Fund. I’d urge Government to urgently confirm their plans for this funding pot to help youth services recover from the pandemic.”
It is anticipated that the Youth Zone would attract between 3,000 and 4,000 local young people annually.
Mike Roe, CEO of Brighton Youth Centre, said: “We’re delighted to support this proposal that will form a partnership that will bring in much needed new investment to the youth sector creating a fantastic seven day a week all year round offer of activities and support to young people.
"The proposal will create new jobs and offer a range of new facilities that young people and youth projects from across the city will be able to use. For years we have seen youth services shrinking, so it is brilliant to be talking about new services for a change."
Clare Kanakides, Relationship Development Manager at OnSide Youth Zones, added: “We’re excited about the council’s vision for a high-quality youth facility in the city. An OnSide Youth Zone would provide Brighton & Hove’s young people with a safe, aspirational and affordable place to spend their leisure time.”
To view the report from the CYPS committee click here.