A children’s activity centre that will make a transformational difference to young people’s lives has been given the go-ahead.
City of York Council planners backed the proposed centre by charity The Island.
The project will deliver a modern, purpose-built home that will enable the charity to expand and support more children from across the city.
Since forming in 2007, The Island has provided vital support to more than 3,000 young people, and the new facility will allow them to enhance that work.
Located on an eight-acre site off New Lane in Huntington, the activity centre will be a dedicated hub for the charity, currently based at Shipton Road.
It has been designed with input from young people as well as the wider community. The plans include flexible spaces for activities such as a café, recording studio, therapy rooms, tutoring areas, and health advisory rooms.
The centre will also have an extensive outdoor recreational area, with sports facilities, gardening, woodland walks, and outdoor play.
Most of the site will be kept as landscaped space including an outdoor gym, parkland, meadows, sensory garden, and growing areas for the children to enjoy.
‘Enhance collaboration’
The plans garnered widespread support. York Central MP Rachael Maskell said The Island provided “outstanding support to young people in York”. Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, said: “The new plans would provide a sustainable future which will allow this vital charity to support more young people from across York.”
CEO of The Island Nigel Poulton said: “We would like to thank the planning committee for their support and the wide range of city stakeholders and residents who have helped ensure this vital scheme’s future.
“Approval of this project allows us to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose home, with new facilities, activity spaces, and wellbeing and mental health spaces.
“This scheme will unlock new ways of supporting young people and enhance collaboration with local groups and the local authority.”
The project will now move into the build phase and on-site activity is expected later this year. Further updates will be provided in due course.
The project team includes Vincent & Partners, O’Neill Associates, Aspect4, Re-form landscape architects and Royal Pilgrim Communications.