The teenagers who attend the centre realised that it needed to be improved, to make the most of the building. They took the initiative to push for the changes, contacting the council and raising funds for the work with an organised litter pick, cake bake and jumble sales.

The Young People’s Committee (made of up attendees) were consulted throughout the process and helped to design the centre, picking the colour schemes, type of kitchen and flooring. They also made changes to initial building designs, developed art work plans and worked with a local artist to create some graffiti boards for the outside of the centre, with funding provided by local county councillors.

The refurbishment created an open plan space with a new kitchen, office, ceiling and flooring. The new kitchen provides an area where demonstrations and cookery lessons can take place and the new open plan area means more people can use the centre.

Andy Wells, Head of Design and Delivery, at Arc Partnership, said:

“We’ve delivered both the design and construction aspects of this project, opening up the interior of the building. We’ve also completed a refurbishment, providing new equipment, internal finishes, decorations and alterations to services.

“Through working closely with the young people, the youth centre staff and Nottinghamshire County Council the facilities for the young people of the local community have been improved.”

The Garra was officially reopened at the end of September by Councillor Tracey Taylor, Vice-Chairman of the council’s Children and Young People’s Committee, with many of the teenagers also attending.

Chloe, 17, who lives near the centre, said:

“It’s taken a long time and been hard work to get to this point. There have been times when I doubted the refurbishment would actually happen but here it is and it’s pretty impressive.”

The determination of this group of young people has really paid off and we’re thrilled that they have a refurbished youth centre they can be proud of.