Work starts on site at Blackpool Boys and Girls Club

Construction work is well under way on a £1.7m expansion of a youth centre in Blackpool that will provide new opportunities for young people in the area. The youth centre, expected to complete in February 2025, is being funded from a grant from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, which was secured by the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club and Blackpool Council.

Warden Construction is the main contractor on the state-of-the-art centre which will be built on Gorton Street in the Talbot and Brunswick area of the town.

Jed Sullivan, youth worker from Blackpool Boys and Girls Club said:

“Our staff, volunteers, trustees, Chairman, and, most importantly, the young people we serve are brimming with excitement as they watch this incredible new youth centre grow before our eyes. The support from Blackpool Council and the Youth Investment Fund has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. We can’t wait to open the doors and make this space our own, providing countless opportunities for Blackpool’s youth to learn, grow, and thrive.”

The existing outdated facility has been demolished and is being replaced with a single storey, multi-use building roughly three times the size, that will include an activity hall, canteen, office space, kitchen and washroom facilities. The expansion will allow for more youth work activities and opportunities for young people, providing a safe and supportive space to learn and develop their talents.

Victoria Marsh-Brown, 13, was among a group of young people from the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, who visited the site to see how work is progressing and joined in celebrations to mark the occasion.

Mandy Goodman had brought along her grandsons Salvador, eight, and Lachlan, nine, to see what was happening.

She said: “I went to Blackpool Boys and Girls Club when I was growing up, and later I worked for them, so this investment is great to see.

“It is unbelievable the change they can make in a child’s life. They can come here for activities, to get something to eat and be in a safe environment, and parents can get support too. I hope the investment will encourage more children to come along as the old building was too small.”

Salvador said he was looking forward to using the kitchen for cooking, while Lachlan hopes to play more football.

Ian Williams, managing director at Warden Construction, said:

“The expansion of Blackpool Youth Zone is a fantastic project for Warden to be involved in, and one that very much aligns with our core values around community impact.

“Working closely with Blackpool Council and Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, we hope to see the new and improved facilities flourish and provide a host of opportunities and benefits to young people in the community.”

Cllr Kath Benson, Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration, said:

“This development is much needed and what our young residents deserve. I’m delighted with the progress that has already been made and look forward to seeing it in use early next year.

“Blackpool Boys and Girls Club have ensured that young people have been at the heart of the development plans so that it delivers what they want and need. It will provide them with a safe and supportive space to learn, grow, and develop their talents.”

The facilities will also support local efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour, which has seen a 42% reduction since Summer 2023, following a collaboration with Lancashire Police as part of Operation Centurion in the Brunswick and Talbot wards.