Youth events to discuss Twickenham Youth provision

Young people in the borough are invited to attend one of a series of consultation events over the next three weeks to discuss the future provision of youth services in Twickenham following the sale of the Royal Mail sorting office site.

Last week, Richmond Council announced the launch of a borough wide consultation for young people to decide whether or not they want a new Youth Centre in Twickenham.

This follows on from the sale of the former sorting office site by developers St James, part of the Berkeley Group. They have investigated the possible provision of new facilities as part of wider mixed use development proposals (comprising uses such as commercial, retail, café and residential), bringing forward the possibility of a new Youth Centre as part of the proposed development.

Over a four week period, Council Youth Services will consult young people within primary and secondary schools, youth centres and high streets, to carry out a borough-wide consultation with young people. The consultation will also be available online. They will be presenting three options for young people to consider.

Cllr Christine Percival, said: “We have always said that should the opportunity for a purpose-built facility arise, we would carry out a full consultation with the users of today, and most importantly the users of tomorrow as to how this could work.

“We won’t have another opportunity like this again. St James’ has suggested two options that could provide a better youth facility that would be modern, cost efficient, inclusive, accessible for all and fit for purpose – providing services and activities that young people want and need. If selected, the company proposes to work closely with young people on the detail of the building to create a youth centre design with the local community as part of a wider mixed use scheme.

“I urge young people to attend one of the public events, take part in their schools or go to the website to have their say.”

Go to: www.richmond.gov.uk/future_youth_provision_in_twickenham

The public events are:

Hampton Youth Project