Planning for the new centre has just been granted! We are now able to proceed with development of Parkside as a Young Hackney centre.

Members of staff from the Young Hackney service, together with architects from Shepheard Epstein Hunter held an initial consultation session with young people and staff from the centre.

The aim of the session was to find out what young people thought could be improved, what they'd like to stay the same and what kind of activities they'd like to see in the new centre.

It was a very productive session, with around 20 young people and two councillors posting their thoughts on the ideas board.

Here's the plans that we used for the initial consultation

Here's a model that the architects created

Most young people agreed that there was potential in the existing space, but that more could be done with the interior. Here's a summary of what they said:

Q: How could the building be improved?

• Outside space ...'an enclosed space at the back could keep the noise down'...the outside looks dingy'....'the outside is overgrown, no seating'...'we need bike parking'...'turn garden into astroturf'... 'it's got to say youth club when you walk past'...'a neon sign on the roof so you know it's open'...'a statement building: one that stands out'...'the roof looks disgusting'....'we need disabled access'
• Inside space ...'a girls' only space would be good'...'toilets are discgusting'...'canteen and refreshments'...'there's enough space inside but it's dingy'...'separate room for health sessions'...'big windows - make it light and airy!'....'make the TV room bigger'...'make it like Stoke Newington'

Q: What kind of activities would you like to see at the new centre?

Gym equipment - more benches and a running machine, basketball, boxing, music studio, indoor football, games, an IT suite, dance studio.

If you have a comment to make on the initial ideas for the redevelopment of Parkside email: tom.sheppard@hackney.gov.uk

If you'd like more information about Young Hackney Parkside, you can contact Young Hackney through: magdalene.royer@hackney.gov.uk or by calling 020 7375 5435.