County councillors have agreed to spend up to £5.3million on the re-provision of youth services on a site.
The proposed new facility, off Harpenden Road in St Albans, would include an activity hall and a skate park, accommodation for YC Hertfordshire and a touchdown facility.
It would replace the existing facility in Heathlands Drive, which is used by groups such as YC Hertfordshire and the Pioneer Club – on a new location within the site.
The remainder of the land, which is owned by Hertfordshire County Council, could be redeveloped for housing.
Pioneer Young People's Centre. Credit: Google Maps
The funds for the design and the build of the new youth facility were agreed by a meeting of the county council’s cabinet on Monday.
At that meeting, executive member for resources and performance Cllr Ralph Sangster asked for an allocation of up to £5.3million from the council’s ‘spend to achieve’ budget.
However he suggested that not all of the requested funding would be required.
Cllr Teresa Heritage, executive member for children, young people and families "welcomed" the proposal, adding: "The young people of St Albans have been missing The Pioneer Centre – not least for the gigs that are carried on there, but for the skateboard facility as well .
"It's a very popular venue for the whole of St Albans district and I think probably Dacorum as well.
"So I really look forward to this being built. Hopefully it won’t take too long."
It was reported at the meeting that St Albans District Council has indicated that any redevelopment of the former industrial estate turned youth facility should include the re-provision of facilities for youngsters.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here