A group of young advisors employed by Islington Council are set to reveal plans for the new £3.5 million youth hub being developed on Hornsey Road.
The 14 advisors were recruited to represent the views of young people in Islington on the development of a flagship performing arts centre on the old Hornsey Road Baths site. Over the summer, they have led consultation activities with 500 young people, 100 parents and carers and 200 residents – the results of which will be revealed next week at a special presentation evening.
The advisors will use a mix of drama, dance, spoken word and visual arts to present the architectural and design plans, and ideas for how the centre will be used in the future.
The complete architectural plans for the building will also be open to the public on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September. Guided tours will be given and an exhibition displayed in the upstairs performance space at the Hornsey Road Baths site.
Councillor Paula Belford, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People, said:
“The young advisors have made such an important contribution to the plans for this youth hub and the building will be developed based largely on the research they’ve carried out.
“I’m looking forward to hearing their feedback, having a look at the plans and watching their performance – which should give us a taster of the type of activities that the centre will be used for when it’s complete.
“The advisors will continue to be involved in this project as it develops and I hope many of them will also enjoy using the centre once it’s complete.”
The young advisors began work in June and since then have met regularly with arts organisations, architects van Heyningen and Haward, graphic designer Morag Myerscough and the Sorrell Foundation. They have fed back opinions from young people and local residents and helped to create the architectural brief and design concept. They’ll now be working on developing a brand for the centre.
One of the young advisors, 17 year-old Cristina Narciso said:
“I hope everyone will be very impressed with the plans. Lots of work has been put in from the very beginning and I’m excited about seeing the finished results. I’ve enjoyed the whole experience working with the architects and the All Change artists.”
Last year, Islington Council secured £3.5million from the Government’s My Place scheme to redevelop the Hornsey Road Baths. The new centre will provide a range of exciting and high quality performing arts activities - most of which will be free or affordable - as well as advice and support services for young people.
A total of six youth hubs are being developed by the council across the borough, giving young people access to a number of activities and support services under one roof. More information can be found at www.islington.gov.uk/youthhubs.
Anyone wanting to book onto a tour to see the exhibition of architectural plans can contact Kieran Gray on 020 7527 3124 or email childrenspartnership@islington.gov.uk.
Journalists interested in seeing the site should contact Islington Council’s media office on 020 7527 2307.
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 25 August 2009