A County Durham community is celebrating after plans for a new youth centre received a multi-million pound funding boost. 

The Outreach Youth Hub will be built in Shotton Colliery as part of a bid to engage more young people and offer services and activities not currently available in the former pit village. 

The purpose-built centre at Shotton Community Park was granted planning permission in July 2023 and was part of the latest round of recipients in the government’s ‘transformational’ Youth Investment Fund programme. 

Up to £1.3 million will be invested in the new site, described locally as a “ground-breaking opportunity to prioritise the needs of young people and deliver the life-changing services they need, creating a more equal society for future generations.”

The Northern Echo: The Outreach Youth Hub will be built in Shotton Colliery as part of a bid to engage more young people The Outreach Youth Hub will be built in Shotton Colliery as part of a bid to engage more young people (Image: The Northern Echo)

Shotton Parish Council has worked in partnership with Shotton Partnership 2000 Ltd. to draw up the plans, which are set to support a further 150 young people. 

Youth sessions will initially be held four days a week and at the weekend. The services and activities will include sports and games; a ‘chill out’ space; coaching; music decks; film nights and social nights, to name a few. The new site is expected to open later this year. 

A joint statement from Cllr Lorraine Cox, chair of Shotton Parish Council, and Audrey Hepworth, chair of Shotton Partnership, read: “We are delighted and proud to announce this significant investment to provide dedicated facilities and services to invest in our young people.

“It is a testament to our successful and strong community partnership working in Shotton Colliery. The funding will support and help address concerns and issues raised by our community and our young people.”

The Northern Echo: How the new youth hub building could look How the new youth hub building could look (Image: Shotton Partnership)

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Established in 1998, the Shotton Partnership was set up to improve the quality of life for the residents of the village. Rona Hardy, director of the organisation, said it now plays a vital role in the community thanks to the help of staff and volunteers. Vulnerable residents in need during the recent pandemic and adverse weather events were able to rely on the partnership for much-needed support. 

“It’s vital,” said Rona Hardy. “We have a food bank and credit union, we help people with IT skills and other activities. We have been here for long enough now for people to know that they can come to us for help.”

The success of the organisation has also restored a sense of pride and community spirit in the local area, thanks to the dedication of all those involved. Rona added: “We all want the best for SHotton and will take any opportunity to improve the lives of local people.”