Major funding approved for Thame’s new Community and Youth Centre
The Town Council is excited to announce that the application for a public works loan has been approved for the Community and Youth Centre at Southern Road Recreation Ground up to just over £3million. This major part-funding is another step forward in making this long-term aspiration a reality for Thame, as it means that the project can now progress to the next stage; to tender for the building contract.
The Community and Youth Centre will be a vibrant space where young people and all in our community can meet, make new links and friendships, create, learn and thrive. It will empower young voices, promote wellbeing, and open doors to new opportunities, bringing generations together to build a stronger, more inclusive community. The building vision and designs have been developed through co-production and consultation with young people, community groups and residents in and around Thame over several years to get to this point. Very soon, Thame community groups and individuals will have the opportunity to schedule and run activities in the new building.
What happens now?
The project for the Community and Youth Centre will take on the working name of: Project Link.
There will be widespread information about Project Link around Thame, from the Town Guide to posters in community venues, on social media, and display boards at the site on Southern Road. There is a dedicated webpage with up-to-date project information.
We have secured most of the funding through the public works loan, council funding and money from housing developments.
Our fundraising target is £1.4million and we will be working with the community, local businesses and funders to raise this through grants and donations. We are looking for people, organisations and businesses to help – if you can assist financially, or otherwise through ideas, connections, or time to support project fundraising, we would love to hear from you. We aim for building works to start later this year.
Image: Artistic impression of the new Community and Youth Centre. Credit: Clews Architects.