A ribbon being cut by a female at the reopening of a Young People's Centre. A ribbon being cut by a female at the reopening of a Young People's Centre.

The finished renovation of Bircotes Young People’s Centre was celebrated recently by partners, councillors and young people at an official reopening event.

Bircotes Young People’s Centre in Bassetlaw provides a variety of support and guidance for more than 100 young people each week in the community, including music, dance, arts, sports, adventure activities and games.

Initially scheduled to have a refurbishment to only its ceiling and lighting features, the centre partners agreed to complete all the maintenance in one go. Nottinghamshire County Council, Arc Partnership, Barnsley Premier Leisure and Serlby Park school worked together to transform the Young People’s Centre into a vibrant, functional, warm and welcoming space.

The works were funded as part of the council’s planned maintenance capital programme and were completed over two months by its partner, Arc Partnership.  To ensure Young People’s services were not reduced during the works, sessions were held at Harworth community centre nearby.

All partners, youth workers, young people and Councillor Tracey Taylor attended the official reopening event.

Councillor Taylor, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Reopening the newly renovated Young People’s Centre in Bircotes stands as a testament to our commitment to provide safe and accessible spaces for young people to enjoy and thrive in.

“The enhancements not only improve the building’s energy efficiency, but also offer a bright, welcoming and clean space for young people and the community.

“I look forward to seeing this hub continue to inspire and support our young people in Nottinghamshire”.

Young people also praised the centre on the positive difference it has made to them, Chloe and Chloe, young people who regularly attend the centre, said: “We want to say thank you for our new youth club.  It has already made a difference to us, our families, and the community of Harworth and Bircotes.

“We have somewhere safe and warm to go, somewhere to have fun, meet new friends and get help and advice from the youth workers. Thank you”.

To find out more about the services provided for young people by Nottinghamshire County Council, please visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/youth-services