A HUB where children can make friends, play and make a mess has opened in Southampton.

Families got a first glimpse of the YMCA Fairthorne Group’s new Woolston Community Branch when it opened with a bumper fun day.

The branch is part of the new £500m Centenary Quay development featuring 1,600 homes and a selection of businesses.

The new community hub is near the YMCA nursery which opened at the complex in 2014 and it will host a range of community groups and activities including Brownies, language classes and baby and pregnancy yoga.

It will also be available to hire for birthday parties and family events.

More than 100 families came to celebrate the launch and take part in activities run by the charity and its partners including Messy Church, Job Club, NCT and the police.

Little ones tried yoga, clay modelling, marshmallow toasting and even had a go at being a police officer.

Chief executive of the YMCA Fairthorne Group Chris Hand said: “The YMCA is a charity that is committed to building communities. The Woolston Community Branch and its partners offer support for all members of the local community.

“Expectant mums and new parents requiring nursery care and child support can benefit from the state-of-the-art nursery, whilst residents can utilise the energy saving clinic or Job Club. 

“Local groups can also take advantage of the space, which can be hired for a range of uses such as birthday parties, dance classes and youth groups such as Cubs and Brownies.”

For more information about the community branch call 01489 785228.