CONSTRUCTION has started on a £2million youth hub for the young people of Runcorn.

The new centre, on High Street, aims to foster a sense of community, nurture talent and promote essential life skills.

It is the brainchild of social enterprise Power in Partnership (PIP), which already runs a scheme for young people at Grangeway Youth and Community Centre in the town.

PIP chief executive Claire Bradbury explained: “There is absolutely nothing for young people in the old town.

“We want to engage with them, provide somewhere safe and warm where they can socialise and help develop their individual talents and life skills, so they are equipped to thrive in the here and now, as well as in future.

“We are already working with 140 young people locally at Grangeway, and we would like to double those numbers by opening this youth hub in the heart of the old town.”

Halton Borough Council secured funding for the centre as part of its successful £23.6million bid to the Government for eight regeneration projects under the banner ‘Reconnecting Runcorn’.

Activities will include table tennis, TikTok dances, and internet and gaming opportunities, plus film and cultural events.

Cookery sessions are also planned using fresh produce grown in a rear garden.

PIP says it is committed to creating inclusive spaces at the youth hub, and there will be open-access events and targeted evenings catering to SEND or anxious young people.

Runcorn and Helsby MP Mike Amesbury commented that he is fully behind the youth hub, which is expected to be up and running in about 12 months’ time.

He said: “Claire and the team at PIP are fantastic champions for young people in Runcorn and beyond, and I applaud their inclusive approach.

“Our young people have tremendous potential, but in some cases, they need extra support because of the barriers they face.

“PIP is all about nurturing talent and building confidence, so young people have the personal resources and resilience to get the best out of life.

“I wish the partnership every success with its latest venture.”