A once-derelict 156-year-old listed building can now serve hundreds of young people every week, as Isle of Wight Council-led works to save the space near completion.
An extensive project to restore Sandown Town Hall, built in 1869, is now nearing completion, with the building already playing host to drop-in cricket, boxing and art sessions in recent weeks.
The listed building has now been transformed structurally and cosmetically to become a dedicated hub for young people to gather at and thrive as part of a new ambitious youth programme.
The Bay Youth Project now uses part of the hall for LINK, a new youth centre serving young people aged 10 to 18.
In 2023, it was announced that the Isle of Wight Council had secured £3.1 million in funding through the UK Government’s Youth Investment Fund which would go towards restoration work and the creation of the youth programme.
The programme, led by Community Action Isle of Wight, could now serve over 200 young people per week after opening its doors on 5th January.
Through the programme, Sandown Town Hall will host a range of sports activities and study sessions, with a sound studio also available for music practice.
Major structural and cosmetic repairs to the 156-year-old building were overseen by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with designers and project managers at ERMC.
The works were delivered by Island-based business MCM Construction.
Young people and representatives from Community Action Isle of Wight and the Bay Youth Forum were consulted throughout, with feedback shaping the final use and finishes.
Extensive repairs to the historic ceiling were made to preserve the building’s heritage, with the damaged roof being replaced and supporting structure fixed.
Reconfiguration work has also been completed to install a new reception and toilet facilities at the front of the hall.
New electrics and plumbing has been fitted with a modern renovation completed in the lower ground floor youth hub area, creating more usable spaces and a lobby for the new lift.
A sensory area has been created downstairs too.
Laura Cansdale, Regeneration Programme Manager for the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“Sandown Town Hall has been transformed into a bespoke youth and community centre that will empower young people, who are the future of the Bay area.
“This project has given young people a space to thrive, and is another shining example of the power of place-based regeneration, as we continue to work towards a resilient and connected Bay area.”
Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“This is a proud moment for all that have been involved in making this renovation and investment happen, for the local community.
“Not only has an important listed building been saved, but it is being used for young people to be together and enjoy sport, music and creativity, thanks to the Youth Improvement Fund award.
“The historic fabric of the building has been celebrated and a new civic purpose found, it really is something to celebrate.”
Emma Moul, LINK Manager, Bay Youth Project said:
“We’re incredibly excited to open our doors to LINK, the Bay Youth Project’s Youth Centre.
“Having this fantastic facility allows us to broaden our offer to young people in The Bay area. We host a variety of free activities and opportunities, including Boxing, Cricket, Arts, and Music sessions.
“Alongside this, we run regular drop-in sessions where young people can access a safe and welcoming environment in which they can hang out with peers, form now friendships, connect with youth workers, access free Wi-Fi or simply enjoy playing games with others.
“Our timetable is ever changing, in consultation with young people, so that we are providing a service they request.”
Follow the Bay Youth Project on Facebook and Instagram to keep up-to-date with their latest timetable and for information regarding booking a place on an activity and registering with the service: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586280294895
Hub?
you mean a youth club!
Good news and a place for teenagers to have fun.
Such facilities should be provided islandwide.
Empty old schools, the ice rink in Ryde etc
could be made into similar hubs.
It provides amenities for youngsters to enjoy and
keeps them out of trouble.
It’s a win win for everyone, worth every penny.
We need more, a lot more to keep some of these kids off the streets and to give them a sense of hope.