23/03/10 - Official Opening Of The New £1m Centre For Young People

Official opening of new £1million centre for young people

Two events will mark the grand opening of The Platform later this week.

Young people will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at the flagship £1million centre for young people on Thursday 25 March from 5pm, which will be attended by local dignitaries, councillors and partners.

The Platform, the former railway museum in Faringdon Road, is run by Swindon Borough Council. The council’s John Gilbert, Group Director of Children Services, will open the event.

There will be a range of activities showcasing the talents of young people from Swindon, including dance, music and street entertainment. Attendees will also have the chance to explore the building and check out the new facilities, such as a café which will eventually be run by young people, and a first class 1970’s railway buffet carriage which will become a multi-use zone.

An even larger event will take place on Saturday 27 March when young people open The Platform for their peers and members of the public from 12pm-6pm. This event will include an official opening ceremony by Swindon Mayor David Wren, and visitors will be able to see and join in with a variety of activities including music, dance, performing and creative arts.

Those visiting will also be able to see Swindon’s new principal location for advice, information and guidance, which has moved from the previous Connexions office in Temple Street to be part of an Integrated Youth Support team, including youth and play workers, Connexions personal advisors and community nurses.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Children Services at the council, said: "At last we are able to offer young people in Swindon a building which is truly inspirational that will suit their social and educational needs. It will also give them a great space to relax in and have fun, while being able to tap into a wide range of advice, information and guidance."

The Platform, a town centre facility for young people aged 13-19 is expected to be a hub of activity over the coming months as more events are held there. Recent activities have included employment and education fairs, DJ skills, arts, video gaming, dance workshops, circus skills and band nights.

Opening arrangements for Friday and Saturday evening at The Platform will be confirmed shortly. Advice from Connexions will be available from 11am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "This is an excellent additional facility for the young people of Swindon.  Yet again, we the Conservatives are delivering positive improvements to our town for people of all ages."