Redbridge Council has approved the development of a new Education and Youth Hub on the site of the former Wanstead Youth Centre, which closed in October 2023 for repairs.
The £6.5m project will see the facility remodelled, with the addition of classrooms, a café, playrooms and office space. “We are redeveloping Wanstead Youth Centre to bring an under-used facility back to life,” said Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council.
Under the plans, the centre’s rear gymnasium will be converted into a dining hall and multipurpose space, which has sparked concern among campaigners. “We are shocked the council approved the option to demolish the only remaining large indoor sports hall in the west of the borough… The other option – to build the classrooms in the smaller gymnasium – was ignored,” said Liz Martins of the Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaign.
The new hub is expected to open in September 2025.