Youth centre doubles in size after £500k makeover

A busy Blackpool youth centre has doubled in size after a £500,000 makeover.

The extension and refurbishment of the Grange Park Youth Centre is part of a £2.2m capital investment in The Boathouse Youth centres across the area which began last year.

The local charity said it offers children and young people in the seaside town access to experiences, support, and opportunities that they may not otherwise have.

Head of youth services, Sarah Lindsay, said the upgrade gives "local young people a safe, youth-led space where they feel valued, supported and inspired".

Work on the centre included the demolition of part of the original building and the construction of new extensions on three sides.

A charity spokesman said the aim of the project was to create a modern facility for the estate's youngsters and the work included a full interior makeover.

The revamp was funded by the government's Youth Investment Fund, which is aimed at improving youth services across England.

The centre has also been involved in various Blackpool Council initiatives and programmes, such as the Family Hub network, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Josh Fowler, who goes to the Grange Park Youth Centre, is among many young people who said their lives have been transformed by The Boathouse Youth and its work.

He said: "Coming to the Boathouse has really improved my confidence.

"It has brought together a community of all these young people who are doing something far more with their lives – it's something better to do than being out on the street.

"For me, building my confidence through Boathouse has been a huge thing – and it helps to have a nice environment to do that in."

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