How the Youth Zone may look
An inspirational new centre will soon be changing young people’s lives in White City after planning approval was granted this week.
Youth Zone, will be more than a youth centre. It will enable H&F’s young people to learn new skills, find out about support available and – most importantly – discover their own potential.
Work can soon begin on the project which is part of a wider scheme called EdCity. H&F Council played a vital role by providing all the land needed, as well as providing funding for the development in the years to come.
“There are so many opportunities in H&F and more being created every day, we want every young person to be able to take advantage of them,” said Cllr Sue Macmillan H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.
“This is why this project is so exciting. It will help give all young people their very best shot at everything life has to offer.”
Youth Zone is part of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s commitment to work with businesses, charities and other organisations to boost skills and help change lives.
A team of professionals will help young people thrive in many different ways.
They will help them make the right choices about their physical and mental well-being through mentoring, counselling and workshops; help them raise their aspirations and prepare for working life; and help them see the role they can play in the community through volunteering and other schemes.
This is all on top of regular activities such as art, drama, music, dance and, sports, as well as trips away.
It will be open seven days a week to all H&F’s young people aged 8-19, as well as those aged up to 25 if they have additional needs.
It will be run by charity OnSide and will be run as an independent local charity within Onside's growing national network. It will cost just £5 for annual membership, 50p per visit and £1 for a nutritious, hot meal.
It is part of EdCity, a development which will sit between Australia Road, Dorando Close and South Africa Road.
It will include:
- A new two-form entry Ark Swift Primary Academy on the same site as the current school of the same name.
- A new building for Harmony Nursery, enabling it to create new play space and increase capacity from 45 to 75 children.
- A new adult learning centre run by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, replacing the current building but at a new site. It will feature four classrooms, two training rooms and have capacity for 120 pupils and six staff.
- 132 new homes – 38 will be available for rent by key workers such as teachers, 33 for social rent and the rest for private rent.
- About 12,000 square metres of office space.
Construction is planned to begin later this year.
By sending us a comment, you are agreeing to our publishing policy.
