Young people from Dagenham, including students with special educational needs and disabilities, have taken part in a practical construction project refurbishing the Future Youth Zone.

The work was made possible through a £30,000 investment from award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody, partners in the first phase of the Dagenham Green development.

Twelve students joined the project through Barking and Dagenham Council's Skills Builder Programme, which provides 16–18-year-olds with direct experience in the construction industry. Over two weeks, the trainees worked alongside skilled professionals from Hill to carry out refurbishment tasks at the youth centre, which has welcomed more than 17,000 young people since opening six years ago.

Paul Ansell, Project Director at The Hill Group, said: "We are committed to investing in the communities where we are building. This partnership with the council and Future Youth Zone is a perfect example of how we can support local young people to develop new skills while making a real difference in their community."

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Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe and David Harley, Director for Inclusive Growth at Barking and Dagenham Council, visited the site with Hill and Peabody to observe the refurbishment and meet the students. David Harley highlighted that the Skills Builder Programme offers practical experience across multiple trades, insight into construction careers, and exposure to community-focused projects. Graduates of the programme will have the opportunity to pursue apprenticeships and employment, supported by the council's B&D Works service.

Future Youth Zone, an independent charity, provides a safe space for young people aged 8–19, and up to 25 for those with disabilities or learning difficulties. The centre offers activities and support designed to inspire, engage and help young people build skills for the future.

Gershom Clarke, CEO, Future Youth Zone, added: "We are hugely grateful to The Hill Group, Peabody, their contractors and the young people on the Skills Builder programme for their hard work at Future Youth Zone."

The £30,000 investment by Hill and Peabody to fund the works at Future Youth Zone comes as the joint venture partners move forward with the first phase of Dagenham Green, which will include new homes – where the first resident will soon move in – and a new public park.

Dagenham Green  is a major new mixed-use neighbourhood for East London. Phase one and future phases will deliver about 3,500 homes half of which will be affordable. There will also be ten acres of green space, a secondary school, medical centre, shops, cafés and other community amenities, located on the site of the former Ford factory, next to Dagenham Dock station.

For further information about Dagenham Green, visit www.dagenhamgreen.co.uk.