Young people in Blacon have received a boost with the launch of a new youth venue following support from Sanctuary Housing.

The facility at Cairns Crescent, Blacon, provides space for young people to meet, as well as kitchen facilities, a football pitch and changing rooms. This new facility replaces services previously provided by the Delta Centre, which has now been demolished to make way for the £19.5m redevelopment of the Parade in Blacon.

The Parade development project, which is being managed by Sanctuary Group, will provide 62 affordable homes on the site, as well as improvement to existing retail units.

The launch of the new youth centre celebrated the joint working of Chester & District Housing Trust, now part of Sanctuary Housing, Avenue Services, Blacon Youth Football Club and Cheshire West & Chester Council.

Blacon Youth FC, which operates teams for boys and girls of all ages, is sharing the unit alongside the Youth Service and Catch 22, who provide three weekly sessions for young people from Blacon. The Youth Service runs Tuesday and Wednesday evening sessions for 13- to 19 year-olds. Catch 22, which provides education and employment opportunities for young people, is delivering a weekly youth club for eight to 13-year-olds on Thursdays.

Janet Gittins, Neighbourhoods and Assets – Avenue Services, said: “This is a fantastic facility for young people in Blacon. The new youth centre offers a safe and supportive environment for young people to socialise, have fun and develop new skills.”

For more details of what’s on offer at the youth facility at Cairns Crescent, visit www.avenueservices.org .