The newly refurbished youth centre in Newton Aycliffe held an event for the people who helped make their dream a reality.
Mears who repair and maintain homes on behalf of livin spent two weeks transforming the tired looking centre and the benefits can already be seen.
The colourful, modern centre now receives visits from 80 more young people a week thanks to the extra services it has been able to provide after its face lift.
A new pool table has been a real hit, the smart reception area gives a great first impression and the tuck shop will soon be developing into a coffee shop for the local community.
One of the most exciting outcomes is a connection with Music Junction on Aycliffe Business Park, as part of the management committee’s aim to encourage even more young people through the centre’s door.
DJ, song and lyric sessions held during the school holidays will help get youngsters out of their bedrooms and into the revitalised centre, supporting those who have an interest in music.
As a way of saying thank you, the youth centre held a special event for all the local businesses who donated time, money and resources into the refurbishment.
Refreshments were provided by Cornforth Partership and enjoyed by Mears, livin, Bullock, Durham County Council, Kerrison and Stockdale as well as Gamp Area Action Partnership.
The thank you lunch included a performance from Alice Jordan, a 13-year-old girl who gave her first public performance. She dazzled all of the guests with her beautiful voice, singing one of her very own songs. Alice was recognised when she joined MAD productions – a group of young people with an interest in music and drama who meet weekly at the centre.
Colin Middlemass, Managing Director, Mears said: “It’s great to see the lasting impact the project has had for this centre and we look forward to providing our continued support with this community hub for all ages and abilities.”
Vince Crosby Chairman of the Management Committee, Newton Aycliffe Youth Centre said: “It has been a privilege to watch the transformation come together, It has been a real example of partnership working and is I hope the beginning of a great working relationship in which friendships have been formed.”