Lotto £5m for Lincoln children's centre
A new centre for young people is to be built in Lincoln thanks to a £5million cash boost.
The new hub for activities will boast indoor and outdoor games areas, performing arts space, a recording studio, gym and cyber café.
A car simulator where youngsters can learn about safer driving is also planned for the development.
The project is being funded from a £4,892,500 grant from the Government and the Big Lottery Fund, which is part of £20million budget that has been set aside for three similar builds elsewhere in the East Midlands.
It will be managed and delivered by Lincolnshire YMCA, which currently offers housing services, a gym and other activities for young people in the city.
Project leader Malcolm Barham, chief executive of the Lincolnshire YMCA, said: "The idea is to create world class facilities that people will want to be a part of. It is being aimed at 13 to 19-year-olds and will hopefully cost a very small amount to use."
The location for the project has not yet been decided, although one area earmarked for the development is the disused Renault and Nissan car showroom off Tritton Road.
The activity hotspot will be called The Showroom and is set to be open by March 2010.
For more on the new centre for young people, see Wednesday's Echo.
4 Comments
by Fiona, Lincoln
Friday, March 06 2009, 1:07AM
“I feel psychic. A few weeks ago I was walking past this site and thought wouldn't it be a great place to build an indoor ice rink and combine it with with other things such as a rock-climbing wall, cafe and other such stuff. Whilst it is nice that such a project is being considered for young people, I think the remit should be more inclusive and be for people of all ages. After all middle-aged people and pensioners also need a place to go and have fun and hang out with other people.”
by lynn, lincoln
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 6:30PM
“Yes John, but plenty of free parking, as I suspect most of it's customers will be taken to this venue by car, far better than the City centre where parking is expensive and at a premium.”
by John, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 5:41PM
“What a fantastic idea and well done for getting this project off the ground.
I can't help but think it could be in a better place though. It will mean that all the kids will have to cross a busy road.
Notwithstanding that, it should be great for kids.”
by Mick, Saxilby
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 4:21PM
“The cycnics who prowl this board obviously have found nothing to sneer at with this story.
This funding is good news as it will help young people channel their energy into something worthwhile. Well done YMCA!”