A GROUP of young people, who helped secure a £5m lottery grant, are finally turning their dream into reality.

Working alongside Redcar and Cleveland Council they are drawing up final plans for the new beach side 'MyPlace' arts and media centre.

A team of 16 young people, selected from a number of youth organisations, will work on the scheme planned for the Coatham area of Redcar.

The new centre - an iconic seashell design - will provide a large flexible arts and media space, a stage and music recording studio along with access to support services, including health advice and information about education and work opportunities.

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, the council's cabinet member for children's services and education, said: "This is particularly welcome news at this time and will bring much-needed construction industry work to the town and all that means for the local economy.

"The work our young people have done has shown them to be ambassadors not only for other young people, but for the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland.

"They have shown commitment and determination and presented a positive image of the area and its young people. We're very proud of them and what they have achieved so far, and what we are confident they will continue to achieve in the future.

"We very much look forward to continuing in our full support of the young people in their endeavours."

Following design and consultation, the building work is due to commence in 2010.

In securing the funding for the new building, the group's background work has included seeking the views of over 3,000 young people, talking to arts groups and service providers, organising promotional events and recording a DVD to accompany their successful bid for the £4,946,280 cheque.

The partnership supporting the young people and funding bid includes the Council, police, health services, Tees Valley Arts and Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency, who will now continue to work with group during the summer months to finalise business plans for the beach side location.

The aim will be to prepare a business case for September, with a hoped-for completion, after 12-18 months construction work, in 2011.