A Hastings youth hub has undergone a £3.3 million refurbishment.

The Hollington Youth Hub will double the number of young people that can be supported each week from 80 to 160, says East Sussex County Council.

It says it has been transformed into a modern, multi-purpose building with a café area, training kitchen, arts room, chill-out space, music room, sports hall gym area and sensory room.

Cllr Victoria Carson, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for children and families, said: “The youth hub has gone from an underused and dated building to a wonderful facility that will be able to offer more young people a range of activities, guidance and support.

“This is a long-term investment in the future of young people, families and the wider Hastings community and will enable partners, voluntary organisations and council services to work together to improve outcomes for many local residents, including Family Hub services for families with children under 5.

"A team of qualified youth workers will offer support and guidance, helping the young people to build confidence, develop life skills and realise their potential." It has been funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The youth hub will offer activities including arts and craft, sports and physical activities, music and creative programmes, and social and recreational activities.

It will also provide support for parents and carers of under fives through the Family Hub service, offer meeting and consultation spaces for partner agencies, voluntary and community organisations, and provide a dedicated health suite for the NHS to deliver local health and wellbeing services, increasing accessibility for local families.

Cllr Carson added: “I’m extremely grateful to our officers, local councillors, partner organisations, youth workers and the young people themselves whose commitment and hard work have made this project possible, and look forward to see the Youth Hub thrive.”

For more information visit: https://www.escis.org.uk/family-information/hollington-youth-hub-youth-clubs-and-activities/