Name of Swindon’s new youth centre revealed
A new youth centre in Park North, which will support more than 400 children a week when it opens later this year, will be called The Base.
Published: Tuesday, 21st January 2025
The name was yesterday (20 Jan) revealed as young people leading on the project hosted a visit by Cabinet Members from Swindon Borough Council.
The Base, formerly known as the Lyndhurst Centre, has undergone a significant transformation. Built as part of the Council’s commitment to empower children and young people, the ambition is that it will be a centre of excellence for Child First practice.
The redevelopment has been funded by a £3.8m grant from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund and, once completed, the centre will provide vital services and creative opportunities for children and young people each week in a safe, inclusive, and dynamic environment.
When it opens, the new centre will have open access youth services for all children aged between 11 and 16 (and up to 25 for those with disabilities) in Swindon.
Building work at the site has already seen significant progress, with a new roof, upgraded electrical system and windows already in place.
The new youth centre forms part of the Council’s mission to Build a Fairer Swindon, with other provisions including counselling spaces and accessible services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The name and logo for The Base was chosen by children who are leading on the project and having a say on the design of the new space. WAY Beacons representative, Naomi, has seen her suggestion of including a multi-faith prayer room incorporated into the build.
Thirteen-year old Naomi added: “Here at WAY Changemakers we are using youth ideas to make Swindon a better place for young people.”
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “The Base is a fantastic name for this new youth centre as this will be a space that is a real focus point for children across Swindon.
“This project is fundamental to our work in building a fairer Swindon. It is a fantastic example of what we are doing to ensure our children have the support they need to achieve their hopes, dreams and ambitions.
“The Base has been led by young people for young people, and I am delighted to see the progress that has been made. When the centre opens later in the year this will be a landmark moment for young people in Swindon, and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have for our local community.”
Once open, The Base will operate daily from 8am to 10pm.