£3.4 million Rotherham youth centre gets green light

PLANS for a new £3.4 million youth centre have been given the go-ahead— but a question mark still hangs over what it will be called.

Rotherham Borough Council's Planning Board has now approved the application by Chantry YMCA to build the world-class centre in Eastwood, which is expected to feature space for cinema and public performances, a showcase graffiti art room and a rooftop cafe.

But there is some doubt about the name of the state-of-the-art building after a vote by young people came up with the bizarre choice "We Have Cookies."

Councillors were told that the centre would mainly be used by young people between the ages of 13 and 19 and up to the age of 25 for people with learning difficulties. However, it could also be open to the public between between 9am and 4pm for conferences and an on-site cafe.

It will also include:

q A large multi-purpose space with stage and upper balcony that can

be used as a cinema and performance space.

q Five studios which can be used for IT, drama and music.

q An open air terrace for displaying artwork and holding events.

q A graffiti wall which can be viewed from inside and outside the building;

q A café and juice bar.

The site off St Ann's Road is currently a car park surrounded by grassed areas and trees, ten of which will be chopped down during the development.

One resident formally objected to the plans because of the tree felling but planning officers said that the scheme was justified by the likely overall benefit to the community.

Chantry YMCA, which is based at the St Barnabas Centre in Brunswick Road, Broom, was one of eight YMCAs around the country selected to receive a share of £30 million to spend under the "MyPlace" project.

As well as creative and leisure activities, the proposed centre will offer training courses and support mechanisms so that young people can get advice from those they trust on issues affecting them, such as housing, education and careers.

Planning documents said: "The proposed MyPlace building will provide a 'community facility' which will provide facilities for young people in a controlled environment, including sport, art and culture.

"The building will also be open to all members of the public during certain hours and will act as a community centre, providing facilities which can be hired and a café for use by the surrounding community.

"The development will clearly provide a facility which is not currently available within Rotherham."