A MAJOR £377,000 revamp of Pershore’s Riverside Youth Centre has finally kicked off after years of fund-raising efforts by kind-hearted staff.
The refurbishment got underway on Monday (September 22) and comes on the back of years of fund-raising in the hope of extending the site to add further activities for youngsters attending.
The cash will see the addition of changing rooms, showers, classrooms, storage for canoes and an improved access to the river at the King George’s Way site.
As well as becoming a canoe and paddle-sports centre, the development means the youth centre can continue with the clubs,
advice and support it offers young people in the town, after the service had been threatened with the axe.
Alex Mellor, the development manager at the centre, has been applying for the grants and raising funds over the last few years and thanked Severn Waste Services, Sport England, British Canoeing and Wychavon District Council for their ‘major
contributions’.
Speaking to the Observer, he said: “Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to the centre over the last 12 months, both the major donors and the gifts in kind from local organisations and individuals that have made it all possible.”
“This is going to be a great new facility – making Pershore a centre of excellence for canoeing – but it also helps towards securing the future of this great community facility and all the benefits it offers for the young people.
“Fund-raising is an ongoing task for any charity, and the Riverside Centre is looking for one major partner to help with the funds for the canoe project.
“If you’d like to be a part of the canoe development, please get in touch”
Work is expected to last for six months and Alex hopes the centre will be up and running by Easter next year. The centre will then be offering more canoeing activities for groups and individuals.
Visit www.pershoreyouth.org.uk online or call Alex on 01386 554713 for more information about the development.
A birds-eye view of what the Riverside Centre will look like. (s)
