Fundraising under way for new £220k youth facility in Harrogate which it's hoped will transform young lives

A potentially life-changing £220,000 project to build a new youth facility in Harrogate where “young people can form new friendships” is gaining momentum.

The planned new wing will utilise a small area to the left of Westcliffe Hall on Harlow Terrace in Harrogate, offering a designated space to the town’s youth, aimed at year 7s to 13s.

The building is currently home to Kairos Church which already supports youth clubs and projects - in community spaces across Harrogate – working closely with Netmakers, a charity made up of local churches working together to build community.

The project’s build costs are high, in part because of the age of the building, which faces the recently sold derelict church of St Mary’s.

Ben Askew, Pioneer Minister at Kairos Church says the new project will maximise the impact of the new Youth Den and is in response to community questionnaires conducted in the past few years.

“The feedback was that community work with young people was a high priority in this area,” said Ben.

"It is an expensive build because we are trying to make the most of an old building in a conservation area.

“The work will also ensure Westcliffe Hall remains a welcoming and attractive resource for all people in the local area.”

The hall also houses the successful charity Resurrected Bikes, which restores donated bikes before selling them on raising money for charitable causes.

Recognising a lack of permanent places for teenagers to hang out in, the new initiative will boast a welcoming space with a television, games consoles, a kitchenette and comfortable seating.

The design includes a small extension and new roof at the west end of the hall.

Funding for the project has already reached almost £90,000, through grant applications and donations from the Kairos community.

It is hoped the remaining shortfall will be met by other grants from organisations that support church and community youth work. There are also plans for fundraising events in the autumn, including craft fairs and sponsored activities.

Kairos church member Sam Blakey, who also volunteers as a youth leader at Starbeck Youth Club, plans to help raise funds for the Create Space youth project by taking part in the half marathon at The Leeds Running Festival in Roundhay Park, on August 30.

“I love a challenge and a great cause as much as I love working with the kids at the youth club,” said Sam, a personal trainer and marathon runner.

“When I was growing up it was these clubs that gave me a combination of shelter and fun.”

“A designated space is priceless. A space where young people can form new friendships or simply be with their school friends in comfortable surroundings, having a laugh and bonding together.”

Sam is also hoping to extend her challenge to include the Run My Way’virtual London Marathon next April.

Also contributing to the new project is Helen Brocklehurst, who last month climbed the Three Peaks to help raise funds for the project.

As the new charity lead for Netmakers, a Kairos community partner, she completed the 24 mile, three climb walk in an impressive 12 hours.

The duo are now sharing a Just Giving fundraising page.