Heathfield’s young people now have a brand-new £5 million youth centre, complete with sports, arts and learning spaces, following the official opening of the new Heathfield Youth Hub.
The modern two-storey building replaces the original 1950s site and was made possible thanks to a Government Youth Investment Fund grant. Designed with input from local young people, the new hub includes a teaching kitchen, coffee bar, sensory room, art and music rooms, a fitness suite, sports hall, outdoor sports court, and a youth zone featuring table tennis, pool and table football.
Community Celebration
The opening night on Friday, September 19, welcomed young people, parents, carers and local residents. Heathfield Youth Workers hosted tours of the new space, alongside art, sport and gardening activities.
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, cut the ribbon at the official ceremony. Other guests included the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Annie Brown, county councillors, and members of Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council.
A Boost for Local Youth
Cllr Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families at East Sussex County Council, praised the redevelopment:
“This new building will mean we can offer a wider range of activities and support services for young people after school, in the evenings and at the weekends, helping to build confidence and positive interactions in a safe space away from home.”
Cllr Bowdler also recognised the late Cllr Rupert Simmons for his long-running campaign to keep the hub open.
For young people like Tony Clark, 13, a Youth Cabinet member and Youth Leader, the opening is a milestone:
“This is an important day for every young person in the area and I’m grateful the money was raised. I’m really looking forward to spending time here.”
Find Out More
Weekly youth groups and activities are already underway at the Heathfield Youth Hub. Full details can be found at escis.org.uk/family-information/heathfield-youth-hub.
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