Success for young people's interchange plans

Hull City Council and its partners are celebrating the news that their bid for capital funding from the Big Lottery myplace fund for a new youth facility in the city has been successful.

The proposal, which was one of 40 shortlisted in the second round of funding, is for a new multi-million pound youth facility to be built on the site of the former Lexington Avenue nightclub on Ferensway.

£5m has been awarded to the project, which has been developed by young people and Hull City Council, working in partnership with a variety of organisations including NHS Hull, KIDS, Goodwin Development Trust and The Warren.

The plans are to build a unique space for young people, alongside other world-class facilities, in which large numbers of young people from across the city can take part in a wide range of arts, music, social, sporting and cultural activities and can receive extra support if they need it.

Councillor Christine Randall, portfolio holder for education and children's services, said:

"I am delighted that our proposal has been granted this funding and that we can move forward with developing our plans for a world-class youth facility to improve the lives of young people in Hull."

Nigel Richardson, director of children and young people's services, said:

"Young people have been in the driving seat for this project and have come up with some fantastic ideas for what they would want. Our aim now is to make these ideas a reality and provide a place for young people to enjoy as well as somewhere they can access a range of support services."

Sue Cawkwell, regional director of KIDS, added:

"KIDS is delighted to be working in partnership with Hull City Council and look forward to seeing this exciting and innovative project benefit all young people across the city."

Some comments from the young people that have been involved in developing the plans:

Georgia Donkin: "I would just like to say thank you everyone so much and I am really proud of everyone that took part."

Jacky Chan: "I am happy that it was successful and everything will come through."

Shane Lewis: "Fantastic! It will be a great place for me and my friends, we made it happen."

Helena Richards: "It is a wonderful achievement for Hull to have the myplace bid accepted as it can bring more opportunities, and it can encourage more young people to get involved!"