HAILSHAM Town Council has confirmed the completion of the purchase of a new location for the town’s Youth Service, allowing it to expand for future generations.
In recent months, youth service managers have been assessing the viability of moving the its base from 1 Market Square to the recently vacated Free Church site on Western Road.
Due to population growth in Hailsham coupled with the need for an expanding service for young people, the decision was made by a number of town councillors in January to go ahead with the purchase of the building and associated land.
Payment of the full cost of the property in Western Road has been taken from the Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds. CIL funds come from payments given by housing developers to improve local infrastructure.
The new centre is considered suitable due to its proximity to the town centre, recreation ground and nearby car parks, high accessibility levels with disabled access provided and spacious two large halls to be purposed for individual uses and side rooms which can be used for smaller groups or individuals.
Offering nearly 400m2, the site is also intended to become a centre for the wider community with possibilities including private hire for community groups and professional services, helping to raise finance for youth projects.
Hailsham Youth Service (HYS), which this year celebrates 25 years of effective operation in Hailsham and Hellingly, has had an impact on the lives of thousands of young people and has grown from one operational base at 1 Market Square into an expanded service which operates throughout the local community.
Youth Service Manager, Andy Joyes said: “This is fantastic for the youth service, but more importantly the young people who use our facilities and engage in our organised activities.
The relocation of our centre in Market Square to the new operational facility will completely transform the Service, making better use of space, establishing a much more welcoming environment and empowering us to provide an even wider range of activities and support to young people in Hailsham and surrounding villages.”
“It is vital that young people in our town have a fit-for-purpose space that they can call their own, where they can meet other young people, socialise and make new friends, engage in lots of activities and learn new skills, as well seek support from our range of advisory services when they need it from members of our youth service team.”
”I’m looking forward to completing the move to our centre in the coming weeks, this year itself being a very special one for Hailsham Youth Service which celebrates 25 years of dedicated operation.”
Councillor Kelly-Marie Blundell-Smith, Vice-Chair of the Assets Management Committee commented: “We are delighted to be investing in Hailsham Youth Service, which is highly rated across the county. The new building will help us reach out to even more young people across the town providing opportunities, activities and safe spaces.”
