By Rachel Charman
Southend Mayor Brian Smith visited a new youth centre which is being constructed in Shoebury.
Building work on the new centre began last summer, thanks to a successful application for a grant from Connexions for £2.9 million.
The new centre will open on 17th July this year, in a ceremony featuring Rachel Riley of Channel 4’s Countdown. Members of the public will be invited to tour the new facilities in the centre.
The new youth centre will include a climbing wall, a gym, a full size sports hall, a dance studio, a recording studio, a band rehearsal space, a restaurant run by YMCA, a garage for bike and car workshops, and a youth volunteering centre run by V.
Young people will be able to learn catering and front-of-house skills in the restaurant as well.
The Mayor said: “We very much enjoyed our visit to see how much progress has been made towards building these dynamic new premises.
“When it opens in the summer, the new Shoebury Youth Centre will benefit people across the town.
“I urge people to take note of the opening date and come along to see for themselves all the opportunities on offer.”
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Local Service Manager (East) Janice Lyons said:
“We are extremely excited about this ‘state of the art’ youth facility for young people and families within Southend.
“We welcome people to come along on Saturday 17th July, to join in our celebration and have a look round the new centre.”
