THIS week a newly refurbished youth centre officially reopened in West Cumbria.
As the summer holidays began, Egremont Youth Centre opened its doors to the children and young people of the town on July 22.
The refurbishment came after an investment of almost £135,000 by the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership (DDP) and Sellafield Ltd.
The building was opened by Ewan Hutton alongside Tracy McFadden, centre manager, and Bern Hilliar, the treasurer.
They said that the building was a much-loved community asset that had begun to crumble, thanks to the investment it has been transformed.
Youth club members said they were previously unable to heat the building and it 'looked very tired.'
The youth centre is now 'modern, bright, and fit for purpose' with members saying that it is one that parents will be proud to send their children to.
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For the opening, the funders, trustees, young people, and the DDP Plus Sellafield social impact team were invited along.
The children were able to try out all of the new equipment, meet the different funders, and enjoy the food that was on offer. Over 70 people attended the event.
Tracy McFadden centre manager said: "This was a great opportunity for Egremont Youth Partnership As the building was run down
"We cannot thank Everyone involved enough this now means we can deliver Great Youth work for many years to come.
"The building work was carried out by all local tradespeople, led by the fantastic Casson Property’s.
"The other contractors were Howden’s, Morley Windows, Toman Contracting Ltd, Colaluca Joinery, Keith Kennedy, Craig Graham Electrical Contractors, Heatons Heating Services, Clean as a Whistle, Budget Blinds, Morley’s Windows, Lakes Bespoke, Maxwell Flooring."
She added: "All of these lads were from a 6-mile radius of the centre. The centre was transformed in under ten weeks, which is what keeping it local achieves.
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"The lads all bought into the project and wanted to get the centre back re-opened as quickly as we could.
"A big thank you to the Egremont Youth Partnership staff Ella Carver, Lynn Anderson, and Kayleigh Offen for the amazing work and support throughout the refurbishment."
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