Work to start on new net zero youth centre in Knoll Park

Cheesmur Building Contractors have been appointed by Brighton & Hove City Council to deliver a new net zero youth centre in Knoll Park.

Building work on the purpose-designed youth centre is due to start this winter.

The new facility will offer a dedicated space for advice and support services for young people and families, doubling the existing capacity in the area.

Local residents had the opportunity to meet the contractor and learn more about the construction updates at an in-person event on Tuesday 26 November, in Knoll Pavilion.

Youth Investment Fund Pilot scheme

The plans for the new youth centre have been developed after a public consultation carried out by The Hangleton & Knoll Project and approved by councillors in June 2023.

The youth centre is funded from the DWP’s Youth Investment Fund Pilot, following a bid from The Hangleton & Knoll Project and Brighton & Hove City Council.

The bid was chosen for the quality of its youth work, strong community connections and the council’s commitment to the project.

The youth centre is just one of 4 youth-based projects across England that were successful in their bids.

As well as offering support throughout the planning and construction stages of the project, the Youth Investment Fund Pilot scheme will fund the construction of the new youth centre in its entirety. This includes groundworks, landscaping and other associated construction costs.

Housed services at the youth centre could include employment training, wellbeing workshops and other specialist support sessions.

Net zero

While the focus of the project is to improve youth facilities at Knoll Park, net zero is at the forefront of the design, construction and management of the youth centre moving forward.

The new building will be highly energy efficient, powered by renewable energy sources and will use the latest low carbon technology.

It has been designed to complement the existing Knoll Park brick pavilion and reduce the environmental impact on the surrounding green landscape.

A good start in life

Joanna Martindale, chief executive officer of Hangleton & Knoll Project, said: “It’s so exciting to see the progress being made and our new building start to happen – we’re really grateful to everyone, especially our partners at the council, who have pulled out all the stops to help us get this far.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the work advance over the coming months and the dream for young people finally having their own space in the west come true!”

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families, Youth Services and for Ending Violence against Women and Girls, said: “I am pleased to announce that the building contractor for the new youth centre in Knoll Park has been appointed and the construction work will be starting soon.

“The new youth hub will double the local resources for youth and families, making sure more young people in the area can access support and opportunities to have a good start in life.

“And it's brilliant that the energy efficiency of the development and use of the building is such a consideration. I hope this can set the standard for other similar projects as part of our commitment to net zero.”