The transformation of Southall’s Young Adult Centre (YAC) is a story of community resistance and a dramatic change of direction by Ealing Council. Once threatened with demolition to make way for housing, the YAC is now undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment, with young people at the heart of its redesign.

From Demolition Plans to Community Victory

In April 2023, Ealing Council approved a £2.8 million budget to retrofit and refurbish the YAC, marking a significant shift in the council's approach. Prior to this, there had been plans to demolish the centre, relocate its services to an unspecified location, and build housing on the site. These proposals faced strong opposition from local residents and young people, who valued the YAC as a vital community resource. Despite almost two years of protests and meetings, the council initially refused to listen..

However, the pressure from the local community, which included meetings at Southall Town Hall and persistent scrutiny of the council's plans, eventually forced Ealing Council to reconsider. The council abandoned its demolition plans in late 2022 and instead committed to retaining and modernising the centre. This U-turn was seen as a victory for the local community, who had long argued that the YAC was irreplaceable and should remain in its current location.

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

A New Beginning: Community-Driven Refurbishment

Following the council's decision, work on the YAC began in June 2023, and by September, the refurbishment was already at an advanced stage. Unlike the earlier top-down approach, the redesign has been driven by the young people who use the centre. Working alongside architect Emma Truman and contractors G&V Contracts Ltd, these young people have helped reimagine the YAC to meet their current and future needs.

Councillor Mason, during a recent visit to the site, emphasized the council’s new approach: "We said we would put young people in control of the future of the Southall YAC, and that’s exactly what we’ve done."

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The planned upgrades reflect this collaborative approach and include:

• Improved accessibility with a new lift and a walkway connecting the mezzanine floor to staff offices.
• A revamped soundproof music studio.
• A new training kitchen and a large gym with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Outdoor features, including a gym and a modern multi-use games area (MUGA) with equipment part-funded by the Football Foundation.
• A covered outdoor space for community activities like BBQs.

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A Facility for the Future

The refurbishment aims to modernize the YAC while retaining its core community spirit. Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start, highlighted how the upgrades would enhance comfort and sustainability: "While the external walls and roof haven’t been replaced, they’ve been fully insulated to keep the building warm in winter and cool in summer, making the facility much more sustainable."

The YAC, long regarded as "the heart of the local community," is now set to serve future generations. The works are expected to be completed by November 2024, transforming the centre into a space that is both environmentally friendly and equipped with modern amenities.

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A Hard-Fought Victory for Southall

For many, it is hard to believe that the same council, which had once been determined to demolish the YAC, is now championing its redevelopment. Only 2 years ago, Ealing Council was pushing to replace the centre with housing, until sustained opposition from local residents forced a change in direction.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, reflecting on the council's decision, remarked: "As a council, we’ve listened to the community and the young people who use the YAC, and are making sure that it’s fit for the future."

This journey from near-demolition to refurbishment is a testament to the power of community action and the importance of preserving spaces that matter to local people. The YAC's transformation from a threatened building to a community-led project is a victory for the residents of Southall, ensuring that this vital space will continue to serve young people for years to come.