Hemlington to receive first new youth centre in a decade
Hemlington is set to receive a brand new purpose-built youth centre, backed by investment from the Government to rebuild youth services and expand opportunities for young people locally.
Hemlington is set to receive a brand new purpose-built youth centre, backed by investment from the Government to rebuild youth services and expand opportunities for young people locally.
The new centre, delivered by The Junction Foundation with support from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, will create a modern, dedicated space where young people can meet friends, build skills, and access support.
Built using modern modular construction methods off-site and installed locally, the facility is expected to open faster and with less disruption.
It will be the first new youth centre in Middlesbrough for more than ten years, helping to restore youth provision and create new opportunities for young people in Hemlington.
It will rapidly be followed by the landmark Southlands Centre in east Middlesbrough, led by Middlesbrough Council in partnership with MFC Foundation.
Nationally, the Government has launched a National Youth Strategy, promising over £500 million to rebuild youth services across England.
They say the strategy will deliver up to 250 new or refurbished youth facilities, alongside expanded support for youth workers and youth organisations, ensuring more young people have access to safe spaces, trusted adults, and opportunities to thrive.
Luke Myer MP said:
“This is fantastic news for Hemlington and for young people across Middlesbrough. Youth services were hollowed out for years, and too many young people were left without the spaces and support they deserve. This new centre is part of putting that right.
“The Junction do outstanding work locally, and this investment will allow them to reach even more young people, giving them somewhere safe to go, people who believe in them, and the chance to develop their confidence and talents.
“This is about investing in Hemlington’s future - strengthening our community, supporting families, and making sure every young person growing up here has the opportunity to thrive.”
Cllr Tom Mohan and Cllr Nicky Walker, Hemlington councillors, said:
"This new youth centre will make a real difference to Hemlington, strengthening the youth services we currently have and providing new opportunities for young people in our community. We are so pleased this is happening right here in Hemlington."
Beth Major, Chief Executive Officer, The Junction, said:
"We are proud to bring a dedicated youth facility to Hemlington and start reaching the potential it has to positively impact so many young people's lives. The dedicated facility, the first in Middlesbrough over a decade, starts to bring back the facilities lost over recent decades, alongside developments in the Youth offer in Middlesbrough we are getting closer to having the services that young people in Middlesbrough deserve."
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, said:
"This is what our Plan for Change means in practice - rebuilding the youth services that were stripped back for too long and giving young people in places like Hemlington real opportunities to thrive.
"Working with brilliant local partners like The Junction, Mayor Chris Cooke and Luke Myer MP, we are investing in the potential of this generation and backing communities to shape a better future for young people."