A youth centre has reopened following an extensive refurbishment, including a brand-new roof.
Calverton Young People’s Centre had been temporarily closed down so work could take place to ensure it met essential health and safety standards.
Led by Nottinghamshire County Council and working with Arc Partnership, the council’s construction partner, the centre received a new roof, energy efficient lighting, a modern heat pump heating system, renovated toilets, and refreshing new décor.
Pom Bhogal, head of Young People’s Service for Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“Young people’s centres are a vital part of our communities in Nottinghamshire – they offer safe and supportive environments for young people in our county.
“It’s brilliant to see Calverton’s centre reopen its doors. The refurbishments have made this building an excellent place for the young people in Calverton and the surrounding area and gives them somewhere safe to go and have fun and relax.
“These youth clubs are not just a place for young people to wind down, they’re a space where they are valued – our committed youth workers also support and encourage them, helping a lot of the young people that come here to engage in activities, learn and really shine.”
Dan Maher, managing director at Arc Partnership said: “It’s been a privilege to support the redevelopment of Calverton Young People’s Centre. The improved space now offers a safer, more sustainable and more welcoming environment for local young people to enjoy.”
Members of the county’s youth service, young people and councillors, including Councillor Rory Green, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, celebrated the relaunch of the centre in an evening event on Wednesday (3). The busy event featured climbing walls, air hockey and table tennis tournaments, wall art and music, and photobooths to remember the evening.
The doors were officially reopened with a ribbon cutting, led by the council’s Madam Chairman Jan Goold with speeches by young people from the area, and attendees got to go on a tour to see the improvements.
Young people’s centres provide safe spaces for young people, with trusted youth workers and fun and engaging activities. During the closure period, the council’s youth work team continued to engage with young people in creative and meaningful ways through detached and outreach work, ensuring that the services they needed remained accessible.
Nottinghamshire County Council also operates a mobile youth service provision, as well as a number of Link Clubs specifically designed for young people with disabilities.
