As part of the Government’s Youth Investment Fund’s dedication to renovating youth centres across the country, a £488,000 refurbishment grant has been passed to the borough’s youth initiative, Young Tower Hamlets. 

The grant was given to set up and maintain youth services across the country where they are needed most.

The grant will be provided as part of the funding Young Tower Hamlets has already received from Tower Hamlets Council to refurbish four buildings in the borough; Kitcat Terrace, Urban Adventure Base, Limehouse Youth Centre and Wapping Youth Centre. 

The council has already invested £13.7m so far, in the hopes of enlarging its youth service with opportunities for people aged 11-19.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, told the council: “Providing safe, accessible spaces for young people is a priority for the council. 

This funding will enable us to improve the standard of our youth centres, to provide excellent facilities where young people can thrive.” 

Scores of other English youth projects have also been given this grant, which was announced February 5, by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and charity organisation Social Investment Business. 

Laura Furness, Head of the Youth Investment Fund told Eastlondonlines: “The Youth Investment Fund is transforming the youth service landscape right across the country, enabling youth centres of all shapes and sizes to enhance their services and reach more young people. 

We are pleased to support this investment, which will support young people in the area to enjoy their lives, reach their full potential and make a good transition to adulthood.  

Through the Youth Work offer, young people should be able to achieve their ambitions, develop positive relationships and make worthwhile contributions across their communities.”