New youth facility set for Redditch

This will open outside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

Author: Tom FeahenyPublished 29th Jul 2022

A new youth facility in Redditch is being installed - but first it's going to be refurbished by young people in the town

The unit outside the Kingfisher Shopping Centre will provide training and support from next month

17 young people who are at risk of exclusion or criminal activity are working on the facility - installing a new kitchen as well as redecorating

It will host a variety of youth activities and workshops and comes about through an innovative approach to partnership funding and working.

Volunteer It Yourself will see 17 local young people, nominated by local youth providers including schools, the YMCA, and the UP Foundation, will help renovate the centre and gain new skills and hands-on experience.

Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Nyear Nazir, said:“This is an example of how we can bring together partners with a range of skills and expertise and harness that to deliver projects for people in Redditch.

“Young people and the wider community get so many benefits from these kinds of services, where talent and skills can be nurtured, which is why creating this space has been one of our community safety priorities. I am excited for the opportunities this new facility will bring to young people in our town.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “It’s great to see that innovative partnership working like this will yield another asset for the town centre.”

The facility, which will be named later by the young people who use it, could be up and running as early as this September.

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