An ambitious project to build a community facility for young people in Redcar reached a significant milestone as ground was broken on the project.

Building has begun convert the existing Redcar Fire Station into a new state-of-the-art community facility that will be open for business in Spring 2011.

A brigade spokesperson told FIRE that the aim is to bring together partner agencies under one roof to deliver services that meet the needs of young people in the area.

By integrating the delivery of youth services from the existing Redcar Fire Station site, partners said they are confident they will be able to better utilise resources and improve productivity. Some of the expected outcomes of this new way of working include:

  • Young people are provided with a pathway to aim higher and achieve success
  • Health and wellbeing of young people improves
  • Young people are more engaged, involved and empowered
  • Young people make a positive contribution to their community.

Councillor Jean O'Donnell, Chair of Cleveland Fire Authority, said:

"We are very excited about this unique and innovative partnership between ourselves and other local agencies. This new facility will see a huge change in our ability to help and influence local youngsters."

Councillor O'Donnell added: "We want this centre to act as a one-stop-shop for anyone wishing to access young people's services in the area thereby improving young people's life chances and aspirations."

Ian Hayton, Chief Fire Officer for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said

"Taking action to help tackle the problems facing young people is the key driver behind this ground breaking partnership initiative."

 

Photo: Partners mark the start of the new Redcar Fire Station.

 

Updated October 25th.