Making dreams a reality

Plans to build a new youth centre on Ferensway have taken a huge step forward after £5m of Big Lottery funding was awarded to the project.
Here, the Hull Young Advisors who helped draw up the plans tell of their hopes for the centre

"Some of us have been involved for almost two years and it's been great, we are very proud of our involvement.
It's a good and unique design and we like the accessible city centre location and that young people have been involved in how it will look and what will be going on inside.
It will also fit in with the regeneration of the area, being near Hull Truck Theatre and the Albemarle Music Centre, and give the opportunity to link with these excellent performing arts facilities.
The centre will be safe and welcoming, bringing young people together from different cultures, with different interests and young people with disabilities.
It will have something to suit everyone as well as being a place for young people to chill out without fearing being moved on.
We are confident young people will continue to be actively involved when the centre is actually open and get involved in its running, volunteering opportunities and decision making.
We know there is still a lot of work to do before we are using the facilities but we are keen and excited to work with other young people, the city council and other partners in turning this dream into reality."

More about the centre

• a recording studio, a large performing arts space capable of hosting nightclub events and gigs, sports facilities, a learning zone, an outdoor activity space, café and juice bar are all part of the plans
• the plans have been developed by young people, Hull City Council and partners including NHS Hull, KIDS, Goodwin Development Trust and the Warren
• if planning permission and further funding can be gained, it is hoped the five-storey building will be built and opened on the site of the former Lexington Avenue nightclub by summer 2013

info

For more information on Young Advisors contact Paul Spooner on 854 550. If you would like to get involved in planning the new centre, contact Hull Youth Council on 585 297 or email hullyouthcouncil@hullcc.gov.uk