Good news for young people, youth workers, and the Brighton Youth Centre (BYC) team – the renovated and extended youth hub is well on its way to becoming a state-of-the-art facility. Construction is moving quickly and the structure of the new building is now visible. This exciting project, which has been in the making for seven years, is expected to be completed by early September 2025. The official opening date is set for Saturday 25 October, in time for the launch of the annual youth arts festival, B.Fest.
The renovation and extension of the Brighton Youth Centre have been made possible through a multi-million investment from the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund (£4.3 Million) and Brighton and Hove City Council (£2.3 Million).
The west side of the building has been completely demolished and rebuilt, with the entrance now located on the corner of Edward Street. The new design also includes an outdoor space at the back. The next phase of the project will focus on interior renovations and the installation of an accessible lift. The building’s design and project management have been carried out by ALTER, in collaboration with Sunninghill Construction.
Mike Roe, CEO for Brighton Youth Centre, expressed his excitement for the progress of the project, saying, “It’s a very exciting moment for BYC. After a long time in planning and some obstacles along the way, you can really start to envisage our exciting new home. We’ve reached a significant milestone as the building work storms along. There’s a lot to celebrate and look forward to.”
Roe also highlighted the importance of the project for the city and the impact it will have on young people, saying, “Our building development is important for the whole city, including the thousands of young people that will reap the benefits, alongside the youth team, volunteers, and the many other partner projects that we work with.”
However, despite the progress made, there is still a need to fundraise for furniture and equipment to bring the building to life. An additional £500,000 is needed to cover these costs. BYC is confident that the community, including businesses and individuals, will be inspired to support the project and invest in the city’s young people.
To donate, interested parties can visit the BYC website and make a contribution. The youth centre has been providing support to young people since 1917 and has become a safe space for them to express themselves without fear of judgment. Its range of activities, including music, drama, arts, and the only indoor skateboard park in the city, has made it a beloved space for young people. The new building will also offer access to other services such as mental health, LGBTQI+ support, and refugee support.
Over 70 young people have been involved in shaping the design of the new youth centre, ensuring that their needs and ideas are at the forefront. This has resulted in a space that is inclusive, accessible, and offers a variety of services and activities, including pathways to employability, wellbeing, and health. In the coming months, young people will be involved in bringing the building to life through the selection of fixtures, fittings, and interior design.
One young person shared their thoughts on BYC, saying, “My favorite part of the week is coming to BYC, having a conversation with the youth workers and interacting with all the activities put on for the day. I enjoy making new friends and having a space that really feels like my own, where I can really be myself and not have to worry about judgment.”
Before receiving funding for the renovation and extension, BYC’s building was in urgent need of repair and lacked an accessible lift. The new building will be fully accessible and sustainable, designed to meet the needs and ideas of young people.
Once completed, the new youth centre will be open seven days a week, offering opportunities for young people to improve their wellbeing, interpersonal skills, confidence, and self-expression. It is expected to support 3000 young people from across the city and will create opportunities for work and volunteering. The new space will also feature an indoor skatepark, performance space, digital hub, café, GP and counseling rooms, and a refurbished gym for sports activities.
In the meantime, while construction is underway, BYC has rented a temporary space on Gloucester Road, where they continue to offer a wide range of activities for young people. Those interested in supporting BYC’s fundraising efforts can visit the website for more information.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.