Redbridge Council is proposing to deliver an education and youth hub at Wanstead Youth Centre.
“This week, we published a report recommending a way forward for the centre, which includes the delivery of education services, a tuition centre and an Early Years Play and Development centre, alongside adding youth services,” said a council spokesperson.
The proposals will go to Cabinet for approval on Thursday 14 September, which has been billed as decision day for the centre’s future. It follows a building condition survey, which highlighted that ‘considerable structural work would be essential to bring the facility up to modern standards’, something many campaigners have questioned.
If the proposal is agreed upon, the building on Elmcroft Avenue will temporarily close to outside hirers from Sunday 15 October 2023, so work can begin.
Kids In Charge, a childcare service currently based at the centre, will now be located in Nightingale Primary School.
“We’ve listened to local people who have shared how important the centre is for local young people, and we’re keen to explore ways to provide additional educational services and hire space that operates in a financially sustainable way,” added the Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal.
