Members of the local community came together to celebrate the opening of the new Heathfield Youth Hub building, joined by local MP, Nusrat Ghani, and Conservative county councillor Bob Bowdler
The original 1950s building has been completely rebuilt following a multi-million-pound redevelopment project.
Work to build a new fully accessible, energy efficient, two-storey youth centre building started in May last year, with the project made possible thanks to a grant of £5million from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.
A special launch evening for local young people, parents and carers, as well as local residents was hosted by Heathfield Youth Workers on Friday, September 19, to celebrate the opening of the new centre.
New facilities include a teaching kitchen and coffee bar, a sensory room, art room and a music room.
The newly built building also boasts a fitness suite, a sports hall, a youth zone with table tennis, pool and table football, and an outdoor sports court.
The Youth Hub was officially declared open by Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, following a special ribbon cutting ceremony.
Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families at East Sussex County Council, who also attended the launch event, said: “I am absolutely delighted we are able to open the new Heathfield Youth Hub building today.
“This Youth Hub is a much-loved community facility which helps provide local young people with opportunities to learn, socialise, and access support. This new building will mean we can offer a wider range of activities and support services for young people after school, in the evenings and at the weekends, helping to build confidence and develop positive interactions in a safe space away from home.”
Cllr Bowdler also paid tribute to the late Cllr Rupert Simmons who campaigned over many years to keep the youth hub open. “We would not be here today without Cllr Simmons’ tireless work on behalf of the young people of Heathfield.”
The local Conservative MP, Nusrat Ghani (Sussex Weald), joined the celebrations and formally cut the ribbon to declare the new site 'open'. During the opening event, people were able to tour round the new building and take part in art, sport and gardening activities.
Local young people worked with the architects on the new Youth Hub’s design, and they made decisions about the programme of activities offered to young people from the new space.
A range of youth groups now run from Heathfield Youth Hub every week, which young people can get involved with.
Conservative MP for Sussex Weald, Nusrat Ghani, cut the ribbon and said: “I am thrilled that following many years of campaigning, the construction and completion of this fantastic new facility has finally been made possible thanks to nearly £5 million Government funding secured in 2023.
"I was pleased to join our local communities in officially opening the Hub and seeing the great range of opportunities for education, development and enrichment of children and young adults living in and around Heathfield. This brand new, inclusive, safe environment is a great addition to existing services in Sussex Weald and will support hundreds of young people in reaching their potential. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to keep the Hub open and get this project delivered, especially the greatly missed former Heathfield Councillor Rupert Simmons, current County Councillor Bob Bowdler, the team at East Sussex County Council's Children’s Services, and of course the fantastic team of youth workers running the wide range of activities in this new space.”
More information about the hub and the sessions available is available at www.escis.org.uk/family-information/heathfield-youth-hub/
Pictured cutting the ribbon is Conservative MP for Heathfield, Nusrat Ghani, with Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler, and young people celebrating the opening of the Heathfield Youth Hub
Also shown is Conservative Cllr Bob Bowdler with the plaque marking the official opening of the Heathfield Youth Hub
