Approval for York children’s charity activity centre plans

YORK-based charity The Island’s proposal for a new purpose-built children’s activity centre was unanimously approved by the City of York Council’s Planning Committee A recently.

Politicians backed the plans which will deliver a transformational change for The Island in the support they can offer to local young people in York.

The project will deliver a modern and fit-for-purpose home that will enable the charity to expand its reach and support more children from across the city. Since forming in 2007, The Island has provided vital support to over 3,000 young people, and this new facility will allow them to continue and enhance their work.

Situated on The Island’s 8-acre site off New Lane in Huntington, the new activity centre will serve as a dedicated hub for the charity. Designed with input from young people as well as the wider community, the plans include flexible spaces for activities such as a café, recording studio, therapy rooms, tutoring areas, and health advisory rooms.

In addition to the indoor facilities, the centre will feature an extensive outdoor landscaped recreational area, offering space for sports facilities, gardening, woodland walks, and outdoor play. The majority of the site will be kept as landscaped space including an outdoor gym, parkland, meadows, sensory garden, and growing areas for the children to enjoy.

The plans have garnered widespread support, with positive comments submitted by York MPs Rachael Maskell and Julian Sturdy, as well as other notable figures and organisations including the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Sir Martin Narey DL, York St John University, University of York, Askham Bryan College, York College, York Civic Trust, and York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Nigel Poulton MBE, CEO of The Island said:

“We would like to thank the Planning Committee for their support and the wide range of city stakeholders and residents who have helped ensure this vital scheme’s future.

“Approval of this project allows us to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose home, with new facilities, activity spaces, and well-being and mental health spaces. This scheme will unlock new ways of supporting young people and enhance collaboration with local groups and the local authority.”

The project will now move into the build phase and on-site activity is expected later this year. Further updates will be provided in due course.

The project team includes Vincent & Partners, O’Neill Associates, Aspect4, Re-form Landscape Architects and Royal Pilgrim Communications.