Bristol youth wins big on Lotto

Bristol City Council welcomes the £5 million Big Lottery Fund grant to provide young people with their own space and facilities in the city centre.

Led by Young Bristol, the ‘MyPlace’ project will use the old Bridewell Police Station to provide a venue with a climbing wall, outdoor ball court and fitness suite, a health and beauty room, radio, film and music studios, retail outlets, exhibition areas and a cafe and kitchen.  It will be staffed by a range of skilled professionals such as counsellors and health, housing and youth workers.

Commenting on the successful lottery bid, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Clare Campion-Smith, said: “Although our city centre is a vibrant place for nightlife, entertainment and shopping, there is little for young people to do which is specifically designed for them. I’m delighted that we can use an old building right in the heart of the city centre to provide a unique space with facilities  for under 18′s, including support services for health and education.”

The bid was led by a group of young consultants with Young Bristol, the City Council and other voluntary sector organisations. Young consultants have informed the proposals and will continue to be involved in the process of building the centre.