New multi-million-pound youth centre opens in Swindon
Children in Swindon now have a dedicated space to socialise, learn and access support following the official opening of a fully refurbished youth centre in the town.
Published: Thursday, 27th March 2025
The Base, which cost £3.8m to modernise, officially opened yesterday (26 March), welcoming children, local partners, councillors and members of the community for a first look at the purpose-built facility. Designed in collaboration with children, the centre offers a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for those aged 11 to 18, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.
Located in Lyndhurst Crescent, Park North, the new facility will provide a wide range of services and activities, including drop-in sessions, creative arts, sport, life skills workshops and mental health support. It will also act as a hub for advice on education, training and employment opportunities, helping young people build skills and prepare for the future.
The project forms part of Swindon Borough Council’s Build a Fairer Swindon mission, with an ongoing commitment to empowering children and creating positive opportunities that support them to thrive.
19 year-old WAY Leader Ollie said: “It’s a fantastic space for young people to come. It’s a safe location, where they can build friendships, grow their mental health and other areas that can set them up for life.
“Whether that’s at the barista station or recording studio. If they have a passion they can pursue it.
“Young people can come and grow, whether that’s personal or professional.”
18 year-old Kika is a Peer Advocate for the Youth Justice Service and said: “It’s a building with more than just aspirations. It’s dreams that’ll flourish into real life.
“It’s a place where people can develop, feel safe, have a sense of self and grow. It’s feeling liked and wanted somewhere.
“I look back on creating this with gratefulness. Not only has it given me an opportunity, but it’s given everyone else one too.
“It’s a child-led project, everything and more we could have dreamed for. It’s bang on.”
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “The Base is a fantastic addition to our community. It gives children a place that’s truly theirs; somewhere safe, supportive and full of opportunity.
We’ve worked closely with local charitable organisations, and children themselves, to shape the facilities on offer, and we’re proud to see it open and already making a difference.”
The launch event featured guided tours, creative activities led by charities and conversations with some of the children who helped shape the space. Attendees heard how the centre will offer not only fun and friendship, but also connection, confidence, and new skills in a safe and accessible setting.
The Base has been developed in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, WAY Swindon, Step Swindon and SMASH Youth Project, and will be open throughout the week, with a full timetable of activities available soon.