Work to transform a vacant Ipswich Waterfront building into the new home of a local young people’s charity has begun.
Suffolk contractors Seamans Building is supporting For Children & Young People (4YP) in creating the new youth hub in Regatta Quay, in a unit previously home to Oasis Lounge and Anytime Fitness Centre.
The hub will be a one-stop shop for young people – providing a space for them to meet, engage in sporting and creative activities and attend counselling sessions.
Rebekah Warnock, Chief Executive of 4YP, said: “Seeing work begin on our new home at the Waterfront is incredibly exciting.
“This space will enable us to create a welcoming, safe and inspiring environment where young people feel they belong, can access support when they need it, and have opportunities to grow, connect and thrive.”
The new hub has been made possible thanks to £1.14m of funding from Ipswich Borough Council’s Town Fund.
Founded in 2000, 4YP supports young people aged between 7 and 25 through its mental health, counselling and youth work services.
The charity will move from its existing base in Lower Brook Street following the project’s completion.
Further support has been provided by project managers Gill Associates and architects Patrick Allen & Associates, alongside earlier work by Make Architects.
Jonny Oliver, Contracts Manager at Seamans, said: “We are delighted to play our role in creating a new home for a great charity like 4YP.
“Our team will be hard at work over the coming weeks stripping out the existing interior and creating a bright, welcoming space for young people in the town.
“We look forward to handing over the keys upon the project’s completion and marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the charity.”
Work is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete, with the centre hoped to open this autumn.
