16 - Mayor of Dudley to open revamped youth centre

 

Councillor David Stanley, borough Mayor, will be guest of honour at an open evening to mark the unveiling of the new and improved Halesowen Youth Centre.

 

The young people led the drive to bring in more activities and facilities to the centre in Highfield Lane, by bidding for cash from a variety of sources including Halesowen area committee and the Youth Opportunities Fund totalling £9,000.

 

Three new projects have now been added to the packed programme of events at the centre.

 

A Smoothie Express club was set up to provide healthy drinks for visitors from a new bar. Organisers also took part in a food safety course and created new designs for smoothie drinks.

 

The Almost Never band, made up of talented musicians who are all aged just 15, applied for funding to buy new instruments to provide music sessions at the venue. They also installed a stage at the centre to provide an area for dance and drama performances.

 

A dance studio was set up after Halesowen area committee provided funding for a new sprung dance floor, mirrored walls and a ballet bar.

 

A new reception area has been built, a DJ booth and CCTV installed and an artist has been commissioned to work with the young people on a series of murals.

 

 

“All these projects have helped transform Halesowen Youth Centre into a facility that young people and the local community can be proud of.

 

“I’m really looking forward to having a look round and meeting some of the young people responsible for this work.”

 

The centre was closed for two weeks in December while the improvement work was carried out.

 

The venue provides facilities and activities for up to 150 people each night. There are discos, meetings, awards evenings throughout the year, and the centre provides a base for a range of groups such as photography and fitness.

 

The Mayor will re-open the centre on January 24, at a special open night from 7.30pm. He will also present certificates to the young people involved in the revamp.

 

There will also be dance and music performances by the young people, aged 13-19, as well as free smoothie tasting for visitors. The centre is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 7.30-10pm.

 

For more information call 01384 813 914.