Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Cheesmur Building Contractors to construct a groundbreaking net zero carbon youth centre in Knoll Park.

Work on the facility is set to begin this winter.

The new centre, purpose-designed to support young people and families, will double the capacity of existing youth services in the area. It will provide a dedicated space for advice, support services, and community engagement. Local residents had the opportunity to meet the contractor and learn about the project’s progress at an event on Tuesday, November 26, held at Knoll Pavilion.

The project is made possible by the Youth Investment Fund Pilot scheme, a government initiative led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Hangleton & Knoll Project, in collaboration with Brighton & Hove City Council, secured funding through a competitive bid process, which highlighted the quality of local youth work, strong community ties, and the council’s commitment to sustainable development.

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The Knoll Park youth centre is one of only four youth-based projects across England to receive funding through the scheme. The grant will cover all aspects of construction, including groundworks, landscaping, and associated costs. The project also follows extensive public consultation, which received council approval in June 2023.

The centre will host services such as employment training, wellbeing workshops, and specialist support sessions for young people. Beyond its community benefits, the building will be a model of sustainability. Designed to achieve net zero carbon, the centre will incorporate energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge low-carbon technology.

The facility has been designed to harmonise with the existing Knoll Park brick pavilion and minimise its environmental footprint on the surrounding green space.