Former LA's site to become 'world-class' youth facility

THE site of Hull's legendary former nightclub Lexington Avenue is to be turned into a £5m "world-class" youth centre.

Hull City Council has been awarded funding from the Government via Big Lottery myplace to turn the empty space on Ferensway, city centre, into a state of the art youth facility.

The aim is to construct a five-storey building which will house a large open plan performing arts space.

This will host a wide range of events from the Hull youth parliament to clubbing nights and gigs.

There are plans to include a recording studio, sports facilities, a dance space and chill-out zone as well as an outdoor activity space.

There will be a learning area and other support services for young people with a café and juice bar.

The project suffered a major set back when the first attempt to find funding was rejected by the Big Lottery myplace in March this year.

Another, more detailed, bid was resubmitted and was successful.

Hull City Council can now develop blueprints for the site, which should be finished by the middle of next year.

The authority also still needs to secure additional funding of around £3m.

The project has been developed by a number of young volunteers and Hull City Council, working in partnership with organisations including NHS Hull, KIDS, Goodwin Development Trust and The Warren.

Nickie Johnson, the voice and influence manager for the city council's young people's service, has been involved in the plan since it was first announced July 2008.

She said: "I am so pleased, we always hoped it would happen.

"Hull needs this and it's just such a great opportunity to build something really aspirational for young people in this city."