After much anticipation, the Southall Young Adult Centre, also known as the YAC, has reopened to the public.
The popular venue, based in Park View Road, Southall, was closed in June 2024 for a £2million renovation by Ealing Council.
Last night (Tuesday 28 January), the doors once again swung open, inviting young people to explore and try out the new facilities, including a multi-use games area (MUGA).
The MUGA was part funded by the Football Foundation’s PlayZone initiative, making the YAC one of 240 sites across the country to benefit from the funding.
”There’s something for everyone”
The newly opened space includes facilities for football, basketball and cricket. It also includes a new indoor gym, sports court, gaming area and kitchen.
Visitors spent no time getting stuck into games of air hockey, pool and table tennis, with other scores of games available.
Idrees, aged 18, said: “I have been coming here for the past five years and I love it. I’ve made some of my best friends here. Being part of the project to redesign the YAC has been a privilege. It’s looking a lot more chic, it’s like a new home.”
Rubi, aged 12, said: “I am looking forward to playing on the football pitch and want to learn the drums, I’ve been wanting to do it for ages, but haven’t had the chance.”
Christon, aged 25, said: “Getting involved in the redesign was a new experience for me and let me challenge myself. Seeing it change from what it was like before has been amazing. There’s so much more space, the old building felt tiny in comparison.”
He added: “The football pitch is calling me. But if you don’t like football, you can play basketball or cricket. There’s something for everyone.”
To make the centre more accessible a new disabled access has been built, and it is anticipated that community groups will benefit from using the centre too.
Whilst the refurbishment was taking place, young people have been using a temporary service at Dormers Hub in Southall.
“We’ve been determined to get this right”
Council leader Peter Mason said: “The reopening of the Young Adult Centre marks a significant milestone for our young people. This space has been shaped by their voices, ideas and aspirations, ensuring it truly reflects their needs. A lot of planning has gone into this, we have been determined to get it right. The YAC will provide countless opportunities for our young people to build friendships, develop new skills and explore their passions in a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a shining example of what we can achieve together, and I am proud of the vision and hard work that has made it a reality.”
Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “Whether it’s sports, IT or music – the new and improved YAC has it. It’s wonderful to see these amazing facilities put to good use. What a treat for young people in Southall!”
Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, added: “I hope this fantastic PlayZone will be a great source of pride for the local community in Ealing, who helped shape and deliver the project, without whom it simply wouldn’t exist.
“Thanks to the funding we receive from our partners – the Premier League, The FA and government, the Football Foundation will be delivering over 240 PlayZones like this one across the country.”
Community organisations are invited to visit the newly improved YAC on Thursday 30 January from 1pm to 7pm to find out more about the new facilities and booking the space.
