New youth centre to open in Basildon
It will offer boxing and martial arts gym, a youth social lounge, kitchen and classrooms plus more!
A youth centre supporting vulnerable young people in Basildon is preparing to open next year, after Basildon Borough Council agreed to provide nearly £14,000 to help with equipment costs.
The project, led by the organisation 1Up Collective, will see a former shop on South Walk refurbished into a centre featuring a boxing and martial arts gym, youth social lounge, kitchen, classrooms, one-to-one support rooms, flexible event space, and a fully equipped music production studio.
On 14th October, Basildon Area Committee agreed to award 1Up Collective £13,800 in funding for equipment. The group had already secured support from the Police, Fire and Crime Commission and took over the building in March 2024. By August, the lease was finalised and refurbishment work began.
Soft launch events are due to take place in November and December, with a full opening expected in spring 2026.
A council officer told the meeting, “1Up Collective works with young people who are vulnerable or at risk, by creating safe, inclusive spaces to foster growth, resilience and opportunity."