Council and charity open new youth centre

A new youth centre has opened its doors after a partnership between a charity and the local council.

The Hangleton & Knoll Project built the Weller Youth Centre in Knoll Park in a joint venture with Brighton & Hove City Council.

The project, which sits alongside the park's existing pavilion, was funded by a UK government grant and officially opened on Friday.

"The vision for the Weller Youth Centre is for young people to have a safe, welcoming space to have fun, get support and get involved in whatever they choose," said the charity's chief executive Joanna Martindale.

Young people chose to name the centre after the charity's founder Pat Weller and her husband David, according to the city council.

Weller said: "It's a wonderful centre and I'm really proud for the community and my family.

"This is on behalf of all the wonderful volunteers and the marvellous youth workers, without whom this youth centre wouldn't be here."

Emma Daniel, the council's cabinet member for youth services, said the centre was "a safe and fun environment that has been co-designed with young people".

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