YOUNG people in Wey-mouth are today celebrating after it was revealed a new £3million youth centre will be built.

The Department for Education has confirmed it will not be removing the funding for an exciting project to develop the Steps Club in Chickerell Road as a modern facility that will boost opportunities for youngsters.

Last year, the project was one of just eight nationally to receive an ‘in principle’ grant offer of £3,056,240 in the second round of government funding under the ‘myplace’ programme.

There were concerns this year the project could be in doubt because of the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

But it has been confirmed to Dorset County Council that the funding is still available, with final approval due at the end of March.

Area Youth Worker Tom Lane said: “The funding will provide a brand new, world-class youth facility at Steps as well as improvements to the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre.

“However, the project is about far more than the buildings.

“We will be providing a wide range of activities and support for young people 11 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

“The project will transform a disadvantaged area of the county and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Mr Lane said the project has specific aims – reducing youth unemployment, involvement in anti-social behaviour and teenage pregnancy, providing job and skills opportunities, improving health and enabling young people to contribute positively to the community.

Young people will be at the heart of planning what the project delivers.

The project has been spearheaded by the Weymouth Young People’s Union and youngsters said they were delighted it was going ahead.

Geo West, 17, said: “There are over 700 people supporting the project through our Facebook page and this is great news for everyone involved.

“At the very least, our project will keep young people off the streets. At the most, we believe it will transform our community and inspire our young people for generations to come.”

Amber McNaughton, 17, added: “We have been working hard on the project for 18 months.

“There is huge support for the project locally – over 1,000 young people, parents and professionals have been involved in the consultation and our project has been led by young people throughout.

“We co-ordinated the consultation and have worked closely with architects and other professionals.”

Tim Austin, 17, said the programme offered something for everyone.

He said: “This includes support and opportunities for young people who are excluded and ‘at risk’, advice and information clinics, preventative and developmental opportunities for all young people and a host of after school and weekend clubs for things like sports, outdoor education, dance, drama, arts and film-making.”

The Weymouth Young People’s Union myplace project has been led by young people and by Dorset County Council in partnership with Steps Club For Young People and Dorset Youth Association.