Station Youth Centre Upper Hall Improvements Complete

The Town Council has completed a programme of improvement works at the Station Youth Centre in Western Road, restoring the centre’s upper hall to a safe, functional and welcoming space for the local community.

The project, funded through the Town Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, has delivered a range of improvements to the upper floor of the youth centre, helping to make better use of the building and providing improved facilities for young people and community users.

The completed works include the re-plastering and decoration of the upper hall, repairs to walls, the removal of the existing raised stage and the creation of new storage facilities, including the installation of a mezzanine floor.

The only remaining element of the project is the installation of new fire doors, which is scheduled to be carried out shortly.

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, said: “We are delighted to see the main improvement works at the Station Youth Centre now completed. The upper hall had reached a point where significant work was needed to bring it back to a safe, functional and welcoming standard, and I am pleased that the Town Council has been able to make this investment.”

“The creation of additional storage through the new mezzanine floor, together with the repairs, redecoration and removal of the raised stage, has transformed the usability of the space.”

“The use of Community Infrastructure Levy funding has allowed us to undertake these improvements while ensuring that this important community building continues to meet the needs of the people who use it. We look forward to seeing the refurbished space being put to good use for many years to come.”

Joel Cottingham, Deputy Youth Service Manager, welcomed the improvements, saying: “The completion of the works is fantastic news for the Station Youth Centre and for the young people and families who use the building. Having a bright, clean and welcoming upper hall makes a real difference to the experience of everyone who comes through the doors.”

“The additional storage is particularly useful for us as a youth service. It means we can make better use of the space and keep equipment and resources organised, while the improvements to the hall give us greater flexibility in how we use it for activities and events.”

Tony Lee, Operations & Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “This has been an important project to ensure that the upper floor of the Station Youth Centre is brought back into a safe and usable condition. The works have addressed a number of issues within the hall while also making practical improvements that will benefit the centre’s users.”

“The removal of the raised stage has opened up the floor area considerably, while the mezzanine provides much-needed additional storage without taking away valuable usable space. The plastering, wall repairs and redecoration have also given the hall a significant refresh.”

“There is just one final element remaining, with the installation of the new fire doors due to take place shortly. Once that work is complete, we will have delivered a comprehensive package of improvements that will help ensure the Station Youth Centre remains a safe, functional and well-maintained community facility.”

The Station Youth Centre is an important part of Hailsham’s community infrastructure, providing facilities and activities for young people as well as spaces that can be used by local groups and organisations.

The Town Council says the improvements form part of its ongoing commitment to investing in its community buildings and ensuring that they remain fit for purpose, accessible and welcoming for residents.

The project was made possible through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, which enables the Town Council to invest in infrastructure and facilities that benefit the local community.