The former Clive Marks school uniform shop in the Saddlers Shopping Centre is being transformed into a place where young people can chill out and have fun in a safe space.
Funded by UK Government, the hub is one of fifteen projects planned for Walsall following a successful, £20 million funding bid aimed to regenerate the local area.
The hub is being developed following calls from young people in Walsall for more welcoming and safe spaces to spend time and connect with each other.
Planned to open in the next few weeks, the hub will offer free Wi-Fi, gaming consoles, arts and crafts activities, pool tables, and a chill out space.
The council has worked closely with a group of young people who have directly fed into the plans, influencing what the hub will offer, and how its designed.
“ Young people have told us that they want more safe spaces to meet with each other in the town centre, and that’s exactly what this youth hub will deliver with them and for them.
We know over time, the traditional youth club that once was, has somewhat phased out of society, and it’s great that Walsall is going against the grain and bringing a space back where young people can enjoy some downtime.
Whilst this is a resource specifically aimed at our young residents, we hope the news of the hub brings some positivity to our wider town centre community too and demonstrates that we understand and are listening to their views.
The Saddlers shopping centre unit is a temporary location which will remain in place until the end of the year, and following that, will move to a permanent premises so it isn’t affected by some of the wider regeneration works planned.
So, please do watch this space as we will be sharing more information soon! “
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Resilient and Safer Communities
Walsall Council
The development of the hub is an active step forward in the council’s We Are Walsall 2040 children and young people’s strategy which aims to help children feel safe in all spaces.
The hub plans to initially open on weekday evenings and will be staffed by youth workers from Walsall Council.