Funding confirmed for multi-million pound youth facility in Swindon
Young people in Swindon will soon have a new place to make their own following confirmation of funding from Central Government’s Youth Investment Fund.
Published: Saturday, 3rd February 2024
The £3.8m will transform the currently empty Lyndhurst Centre in Park North into a youth centre capable of supporting more than a hundred children a week.
The inclusive facility will provide open access youth services for all children in Swindon and offer interventions designed to deter young people from potential trouble.
Activities that will be on offer to children and young people will include:
- Music
- Cooking sessions
- Health and beauty
- Health and fitness
- Informal education
There will also be activities for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and opportunities for young people to engage with local training and employment opportunities in the Borough.
The Council’s Cabinet approved the funding in September last year and work is already taking place to refurbish the existing Lyndhurst Centre this year ahead of a planned opening in March 2025.
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “I’m very pleased we’ve got this funding confirmed and it’s a big boost for the Borough’s young people.
“We want to make sure children and young people have these spaces where they can go, interact with each other, and learn valuable skills.
“Not only will it improve their quality of life, but it will also have an impact in making Swindon safer for future generations.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the transformation of the building and welcoming people through its doors next year.”