Warden Construction has started building work on a £1.7 million expansion of a youth centre in Blackpool.

The state-of-the-art centre is being developed on Gorton Street in the Talbot and Brunswick area of the town.

The existing outdated facility has been demolished and is being replaced with a single storey, multi-use building roughly three times the size, that will include an activity hall, canteen, office space, kitchen and washroom facilities.

The expansion will allow for more youth work activities and opportunities for young people, providing a safe and supportive space to learn and develop their talents.

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The scheme, expected to complete in February 2025, is being funded from a grant from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, which was secured by the Blackpool Boys and Girls Club and Blackpool Council.

Ian Williams, Managing Director at Warden Construction, said: "The expansion of Blackpool Youth Zone is a fantastic project for Warden to be involved in, and one that very much aligns with our core values around community impact. “Working closely with Blackpool Council and Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, we hope to see the new and improved facilities flourish and provide a host of opportunities and benefits to young people in the community."

The facilities will also support local efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour, which has seen a 42% reduction since Summer 2023, following a collaboration with Lancashire Police as part of Operation Centurion in the Brunswick and Talbot wards.