THOUSANDS of children can look forward to better getting support in Romsey after work began on a new £483,000 centre.

Construction crews have started work to create a new centre for Youth in Romsey which has outgrown its current home in Bell Street.

Each year, the organisation supports around 2,500 young people who may be facing challenges at home, school or work, including those who may be young parents or carers. 

It provides information and support for young people aged 11 to 25 on a wide range of issues such as financial difficulties, careers advice, finding work, and relationship problems. 

Now youngsters can look forward to the new facility which will be built all one level, providing access for disabled youngsters and staff next to the Rapids sports complex.

A large activity room, a smaller group room, and a one-to-one room will be housed at the new centre combined with a medical examination room, offices and kitchen. 

The new centre, which is due to be complete in the spring, will be created with joint investment from both Test Valley Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.

Chairman of the charity’s trustees, Test Valley Borough Councillor Ian Hibberd, said they had been waiting about eight years for the funding.

He said it was a “team effort” to get the cash and added that the charity’s success was down to the “totally dedicated” staff and volunteers.

“We are extremely proud of what has been achieved through providing our young people with our caring service over many years by our professional staff and wholly volunteer trustees,” he said. 

“We are efficient and lean, and provide excellent value with the services we offer to both of the contributing councils, and thank both Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council for their foresight in backing this scheme. 

“The new building will allow us to further consolidate our services for the benefit of local young people in the surrounding communities.” 

Hampshire County Council Leader, Councillor Roy Perry cut the ground to mark the start of work - joined by Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Ian Carr, and representatives from Youth in Romsey. 

Cllr Perry said: “This is the start of a journey which I am sure will see us create a first-class facility for the young people of Romsey. 

“I am confident that this will be a very well-used and much valued building once it is open. 

“The new centre will provide youngsters in Romsey with a purpose-built facility of their own, in a readily accessible location, and close to other popular venues such as The Rapids, the cricket club and the skate park.”

Test Valley Borough Council's community and leisure portfolio holder, Councillor Tony Ward, said: “I am delighted that work is set to commence to deliver the new youth centre, and I am pleased that we have been able to work with Hampshire County Council and Youth in Romsey to help make this happen. 

“We are committed to supporting our communities and this new, fit for purpose facility will ensure that Youth in Romsey can continue to offer an incredibly valuable service to young people in the area. 

“I look forward to the completion and opening of the new centre later in the year.”