New youth centre opens its doors

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and Executive Director for Children’s Services, Cheryl Eastwood join excited youths as doors to the new youth centre opens

Children and young people from Rochdale have celebrated the opening of a new youth centre.

Jack Lofthouse, Member of the Youth Parliament, together with the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, and Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, cut the ribbon to officially open the doors to the Moss Street centre, in Newbold earlier this week.

The new facility includes: 

• A kitchen and café for cooking projects
• Games room with table tennis, pool tables, TVs, Wii and music area
• IT suite
• Services such as a CV writing, outdoor activities and healthy lifestyle projects
• Meeting and training rooms for community use

On the opening night, local councillors, parents, staff from the council’s Youth Service and other dignitaries, celebrated the new centre opening with the young people. Speeches were made, some by the young people, before the attendees had tours around the new building.

Samir Hussain, 16, said: “The youth club on Moss Street is brilliant as it has first class facilities such as pool, foosball and table tennis. It’s got a good learning environment and we can get involved in educational projects such as first aid and Duke of Edinburgh.”

Cheryl Eastwood, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council said: “I’m pleased we are able to offer this new facility in Newbold. Rochdale Borough Council is committed to investing in young people in the borough and providing good quality facilities for them. I hope they will make the most of this facility and of the opportunities it will provide.”

Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said: “Young people from Newbold, and the surrounding areas, can now enjoy some first rate facilities.”

The centre has been funded through the ‘Youth Capital Fund’ and is aimed at young people aged 11 – 19; including disabled youths as the centre is fully accessible.

Opening hours for young people will be 6pm - 9pm on varying days throughout the week.

For more information on the centre and the days it's open call 01706 927288.