Young people feel benefits of £25k investment at Hull youth centre
Young people in Hull are already benefiting from major improvements at Kingston Youth Centre, delivered as part of a wider programme to upgrade youth facilities across the city.
Hull City Council has invested £25,000 in a refurbished kitchen at the centre, alongside additional funding from the Government’s Better Youth Spaces Fund, which has helped transform a former studio into a modern dance and fitness suite.
New kitchen boosting skills and healthy eating
The revamped kitchen is now in daily use by young people keen to build their cooking skills and try out new healthy recipes.
One regular user, Daniel, said the transformation has been significant:
“The kitchen is looking so much better! We’ve been able to cook proper meals together and learn new skills. It’s made a big difference.”
Over the Easter holidays, the kitchen hosted a range of health and wellbeing sessions, including healthy cooking activities that encouraged young people to get hands-on and confident with food.
Studio transformed into modern dance and fitness space
The former studio space has been completely upgraded to create a vibrant, flexible room for physical activity and creativity. The new suite now includes:
- A brand-new dancefloor
- Full-length mirrors
- Surround sound system
- Smart TV
- Mood lighting
- A range of fitness equipment
The space is already hosting Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) taster sessions, with younger groups testing their fitness and boxing skills. Members of the Big Buzz and Buzzaballoo disability social sessions are also benefitting, taking part in monthly dance sessions with a tutor to build confidence and coordination.
Sally, another young person using the centre, said:
“The gym and dance space is brilliant. It feels like a proper studio and makes you want to get involved and try new things.”
Alongside the cooking and fitness sessions, young people have also enjoyed self-defence and yoga classes, making full use of the improved facilities.
Backed by national Better Youth Spaces programme
The upgrades have been supported by Better Youth Spaces, a £30.5 million capital grants programme funded by the UK Government and administered by Social Investment Business.
The programme funds small-scale capital projects of £5,000–£100,000, including equipment, refurbishments and other improvements to help youth organisations better support the young people they work with.
“Proud of the way we invest in our young people”
Dean Davis, Youth Work Manager at Hull City Council, highlighted the impact of the investment:
“I’m really proud of the great youth sector we have here in Hull, and the way we invest in our young people. The youth work sessions we deliver with our VCSE partners extends support and opportunity to young people around the city.
“This support from the council and Better Youth Spaces provides greater opportunities for young people to improve their health and well-being and nutritional knowledge. I am looking forward to working with our team to further develop our offer and transform more of our spaces and places this year.”
Pauline Turner, Director of Children’s Services at Hull City Council, added:
“Investing in facilities like Kingston Youth Centre is about giving young people the opportunities they deserve. Making Hull a Child Friendly City is one of the most important aspects of our Community Plan. These improvements will help support their health, wellbeing and personal development, and it’s fantastic to see them already making such positive use of the space.”
Further updates are expected in the coming months, highlighting how investment is being used to support young people across Hull.