Children’s activity centre destined for eight-acre site if planners agree
York-based children’s charity, The Island, has lodged plans for a new purpose-built children’s activity centre.
The dedicated hub is proposed for the organisation’s eight-acre site off New Lane, in Huntington, which would allow the charity to help even more children achieve their potential.
The site is owned by The Island, an established local charity which has provided mentoring and support for over 3,000 young people in the city.
It is based temporarily at a facility on Shipton Road but wants to relocate to a fit-for-purpose centre so it can increase its support for vulnerable young people.
Once built, the facility is also intended for the wider community to use and enjoy.
A main building would include flexible spaces for a diverse range of activities including the arts, sports, music and a recording studio, as well as a café, therapy, tutoring and health advisory room.
An extensive outdoor landscaped recreational area includes an explorative woodland, a wildflower meadow, a pond and wetland, parkland and sporting facilities, and a working garden for growing and planting.
A public consultation on the plans has included an on-site exhibition, a webpage and leaflets.
Nigel Poulton, CEO of The Island, said: “We were very excited to welcome the community to participate in our public consultation over the plans for a new purpose-built space for young people.
“The feedback from the public consultation was extremely encouraging and we were particularly pleased that families who use The Island shared our excitement to deliver a purpose-built centre and fulfil our aim to create a safe, inspirational environment for children and young people.
“This new facility will enable us to offer more services and learning skills to children in York, as well as partner with other community groups and local charities.”
The project team includes Vincent & Brown, O’Neill Associates, Aspect4, Re-form landscape architects and Royal Pilgrim Communications.
A decision on the planning application is expected in the coming months.
