Community & Youth Centre – Project Update (April 2026)

Earlier this year we announced the exciting news that the public works loan application had been approved, marking a significant milestone in the project to build a new Community & Youth Centre (Project Link). Since then, we’ve been busy progressing the project:

• We held a well-attended public meeting in February to answer questions relating to the project, and created FAQs.
• We submitted a grant application to SODC in March for £250,000, and continue to make other grant applications and seek funding, support and donations.
• We are putting the construction contract out to tender in April.
• We created a dedicated webpage to answer your questions about the felling of the lime tree at Southern Road, which was put on hold earlier this month.

What next?
The next major step will be to demolish the existing changing rooms, to officially commence building works. At a Full Council meeting last month, the council approved to commence demolition of the existing changing rooms by mid-July. At a Full Council meeting next week, a contractor will be appointed with a view for works to be completed by mid-July. We understand there may be some questions about the demolition, so we are preparing some FAQs which will be issued shortly. Once the tender period has been completed, the council will be deciding on the contractor for the main build at a public council meeting in July.

How can I learn more?
The dedicated Project Link webpage is the best place for the latest information. In addition to our scheduled Full Council meetings, we’re also planning some additional council meetings in June and July specifically for project updates and key decisions, as well as another public meeting to provide more opportunities for you to ask questions and understand how the project is developing.

Look out for dates of the meetings in due course.