The construction of a £1.1 million, "state-of-the-art" youth hub in Oxford has begun.

The hub, based in Leys Pool and Leisure Centre in Blackbird Leys, aims to provide young people with new opportunities to improve their wellbeing, enjoy themselves, and boost their confidence.

Construction contractors ODS started the building work on Monday, September 23, and the project is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building workA ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building work (Image: Ed Nix) The occasion was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony at the leisure centre on Thursday, September 26, attended by young people and councillors including the city council's cabinet member for a healthy Oxford, Chewe Munkonge.

Councillor Munkonge said: "It’s fantastic to see work starting on this much-anticipated new resource, especially in place alongside our newly refurbished leisure centres.

"The youth hub will allow young people in the Leys to build their skills and confidence right within their own community.

"We’re excited to see how this hub will positively impact both their development and the wider community.

"The support of youth workers will be invaluable in helping young people flourish, providing them with the guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.”

A ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building workA ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building work (Image: Ed Nix) The Blackbird Leys Youth Hub will offer support services and activities aimed at driving positive outcomes for young people in Oxford, including improved mental and physical wellbeing and skills for life and work.

The hub will feature social areas, quiet rooms, a kitchen, music and digital space, and a climbing wall.

An additional £223,000 of funding has been allocated for three youth workers and a coordinator for the first year.

The project is a collaboration between Oxford City Council’s Youth Ambition services and Oxfordshire County Council’s Targeted Youth Support Service, with young people supported by both playing a key role in shaping the project.

A ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building workA ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the start of building work (Image: Ed Nix) Amena, a young person from Blackbird Leys, said: "The youth hub will change my life a lot because I don’t do many things at the moment.

"I’m mostly excited about the art, and also the cooking. When it opens, I’ll most likely come all the time."

Imelda, another young person from Blackbird Leys, added: "I think I could get more support at the youth hub, especially if there are other people my age there from other schools – I don’t really talk to people from other schools, so the fact it’s a community space is really good.

"My best friend currently, I met at an after-school community girls youth club. So many new friendships could be founded at the Youth Hub."

The project has been funded by a grant from the government's £300 million Youth Investment Fund, created to transform youth services in some of the country’s most underserved areas.