A YOUTH charity is celebrating a £1.2million Government grant which will see a community centre transformed.

Youth Options will use the Youth Investment Fund money to refurbish the MP3 Centre in Millbrook, after it received feedback that the space was 'unwelcoming' and 'echoey' from young people who use their service.

The changes will allow the charity to run activities at the centre five nights a week.

The charity's CEO, Madeleine Durie, said: ‘’Youth Options put children and young people at the centre of all that we do.

“The Youth Investment Fund will transform our space, creating a safe haven for young people in Southampton.

“Our vision for supporting children and young people to reach their full potential and improve their chances in life through quality youth work will have a massive boost thanks to this exciting project.”

Daily Echo: Youth Options operates from MP3 in MillbrookYouth Options operates from MP3 in Millbrook (Image: Youth Options)Youth Options were one of 140 youth projects across England to benefit from the funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Located in the centre of Millbrook, MP3 is used for youth outreach work by Youth Options and other youth organisations.

The renovations, which are set to be completed in the autumn, will see the sports hall turned into a youth space and the creation of a smaller and more welcoming activity room for youth projects.

The rooms will also be available to hire during the day and weekends. 

A counselling room will also be available for private conversations, counselling, and sexual health clinics.

Environmental improvements include the installation of an air-source heat pump, which will reduce the running costs of the building.

City councillor Lee Whitbread, who represents the Redbridge ward, said: “I would like to place on record my congratulations to Youth Options for securing a significant funding package which will ultimately deliver an enhanced, modern and vibrant facility in the heart of the Millbrook community.”