Ealing Council’s cabinet approved a budget of £2.8 million to retrofit and refurbish Southall's Young Adult Centre (YAC) on 19th April 2023

Prior to this, Ealing Council tried to demolish the building to build a block of flats and relocate the Young Adult Centre (YAC) to a new unspecified location. These plans were strongly opposed by the local community.

For nearly two years, both the young adults who use the YAC and the local residents demonstrated unwavering support for the Centre to remain in its current location. No one listened to them.

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The council has been forced to recognise that the YAC is a treasured building among both the young adults who use it and the local residents. The proposed work will transform the building is environmentally friendly, safe and modern.

Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said: "Residents were clear that they didn’t want the YAC to be demolished and redeveloped, so we have listened, and are now committing funding to support the next phase of the YAC’s lifecycle."

"This decision will ensure not only that the facilities can be modernised, but also that young people can be a more central part of the future management of the YAC, so they will be actively involved in finalising the designs. We are committed to being an open, transparent and inclusive council, and this decision is part of that."

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A comprehensive list of renovations has been identified, which encompasses improving the building's infrastructure, including heating and electrics, replacing doors and windows, enhancing accessibility by installing a lift, upgrading security, and redecorating throughout.

In addition, the renovation plans include upgrading the current sound studio, replacing and improving IT cabling and WiFi, establishing a new kitchen, remodeling the interior to optimize the usable space, including a gym and fitness area, and expanding the community room to accommodate more partners and community activities. Furthermore, there are plans to re-landscape the site to enable a broader range of sports and activities, by modernizing the Multi-Use Games Area with Astroturf and flood lighting, which will provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy it.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start said: "As a council, we have listened to the local community and the young people who use the YAC, and are taking the opportunity to make sure that the YAC is fit for the future."

No one in the local community thought that Ealing Council were listening. After being ignored in the so called "we won’t listen to you" consultations, Southall residents held meetings in Southall Town Hall and started to pose difficult questions to Ealing Council. Unable to answer these and/or justify their decision under greater scrutiny, they suddenly backed down.

There are no records or indications that Ealing Council were listening until the moment they backed down.

The work will start later this year and will consist of 4 phases:

• the current building will be decommissioned
• renovation of the building while temporarily relocating services to Dormers Hub.
• start of refurbishment work on the Youth Activities Center (YAC)
• external development of the site, including the installation of a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), fencing, and lighting.