Youth Centre receives top architecture award

Before the building was erected the land was a community stalwart which had fallen into disrepair. Photo: Kuan Yuan-Chu

Before the building was erected the land was a community stalwart which had fallen into disrepair. Photo: Kuan Yuan-Chu

The designers of the The New Generation (TNG) Youth and Community Centre  on Wells Park Road in Syndenham have been honoured by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) with a London Regional Award.

According to the jury who awarded the accolade, the centre won for its “democratic and flexible servicing as a community resource in a very deprived area of London.” It was also recognised because of the process of cooperation between the public and the architects, RCKa, who also won Emerging Architect of the year.

Before this building was erected the land was the site of community centre The Wells Park Hall, which had fallen into disrepair. Many local people wrote proposals to the local council to ask for the money to build a new structure and local young people also lent their support. In the end the build was funded by the government’s MyPlace programme. “It is a real achievement for them,” said TNG youth worker Shaun Sutar about the young people who pushed for the building,

The TNG Youth and Community Centre was honoured by the Royal Institute of British Architects with a London Regional Award. Photo: Kuan Yuan-Chu

The TNG Youth and Community Centre was honoured by the Royal Institute of British Architects with a London Regional Award. Photo: Kuan Yuan-Chu

The building has been receiving a lot of attention since its completion. The headteacher from the nearby Kelvin Grove School, Andrew Mathieson, also expressed his pride in the centre, adding that children from his school will be likely to use the facilities. “Also, the build wasn’t very expensive,” he added.

But aside from the attention the striking architecture has gained, the TNG Youth and Community Centre is also very useful for the local community. “Young people can express themselves here,” said Sutar. “And it is not only for young people, old people can enjoy activities here also. It is like a bridge between the youth and the elderly.”

The London Regional Award is one in a series of honours offered by the RIBA.. After this it may be considered for the RIBA National Awards.

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