Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, was delighted to join local communities and representatives in cutting the ribbon and officially opening the new Youth Hub in Heathfield.
The new facility, located on the High Street, was made possible by £4.9 million grant secured in 2023 via the Government’s Youth Investment Fund. The original 1950s building was replaced by a construction of a new, fully accessible, two-storey building, with modern multifunctional spaces for socialising as well as a variety of activities such as arts, music, food preparation and sports, including a fitness suite, a sports hall, table tennis, pool and table football, and an outdoor sports court.
The Hub will primarily cater to 10-19-year-olds whilst also providing vital services for baby groups and 9-25 year-olds with additional needs. Local children were key consultees on the project and were involved throughout the design process to ensure that the new facility meets their needs.
For more information about the hub and the sessions available visit www.escis.org.uk/family-information/heathfield-youth-hub/.
The official opening held on Friday 19th September was attended by representatives and councillors from East Sussex County Council, Wealden District Council and Waldron and Heathfield Parish Council, as well as youth workers that will running the activities at the new Hub and young leaders who have worked on the new build proposals.
Nusrat Ghani said: “I am thrilled that following many years of campaigning, the construction and completion of this fantastic new facility has finally been made possible thanks to nearly £5 million Government funding secured in 2023. I was pleased to join our local communities in officially opening the Hub and seeing the great range of opportunities for education, development and enrichment of children and young adults living in and around Heathfield. This brand new, inclusive, safe environment is a great addition to existing services in Sussex Weald and will support hundreds of young people in reaching their potential. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to keep the Hub open and get this project delivered, especially the greatly missed former Heathfield Councillor Rupert Simmons, current County Councillor Bob Bowdler, the team at East Sussex County Council's Children’s Services, and of course the fantastic team of youth workers running the wide range of activities in this new space.”
Cllr Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families at East Sussex County Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted we are able to open the new Heathfield Youth Hub building today. This Youth Hub is a much-loved community facility which helps provide local young people with opportunities to learn, socialise, and access support. 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 develop positive interactions in a safe space away from home.”
Photos above were provided by East Sussex County Council.
