Youth club funding is under threat
FUNDING for a new 'world-class' youth club in Bristol city centre is under threat.
Government spending reviews mean that £5million funding for The Station – which would be created in the grade two listed Old Fire Station on Bridewell Island in Silver Street – is on hold, and could be cut.
MyPlace, the fund which is meant to pay for the centre, is included in spending reviews, and the people behind the project believe a decision is likely to be made by October at the latest.
A partnership of youth organisations and other interested groups led by the Kingswood Foundation applied for cash from the Department for Children, Skills and Families' Big Fund, which is administered by the National Lottery.
The centre, which was due to open in autumn 2011, has been billed as a central youth facility for the city.
The youth club would have modern equipment and give young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or at risk of anti-social behaviour, a central place to go.
It would include a café, creche, counselling rooms, training facilities and offices.
An online petition and Facebook group – called Save the Station – have been set up for people to show their support for the project.
Chief executive of the Kingswood Foundation, Sandy Hore-Ruthven said: "If we are to ensure the future of The Station we need your help, please show your support by putting your name to the petition."
2 Comments
by Burghs, St Werburghs
Tuesday, July 13 2010, 1:43PM
“I think in the current economic climate places like the Station become even more vital. We need somewhere central where our children can gather safely, where they can access support and advice and express themselves creatively. Please don't let Bristol lose out on this opportunity! I'm supporting the Facebook campaign.”
by Joe Evans, Bristol
Tuesday, July 13 2010, 10:38AM
“I really hope that the funding for this project does come through. it's about time we started taking young people seriously in this country - schools are just not working for so many young people, and we need to provide positive alternatives for them, places where they can go to learn and be creative.”