It was built in 2000 with Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding to address the needs of a pre-war council estate in an acknowledged area of deprivation, and in response to front-page headlines regarding community unrest and years of largely youth-centred crime and anti-social behaviour. The Centre is a very successful registered charity, with an acknowledged reputation both nationally and inter
nationally for significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour; innovative work with young people, and for community cohesion and empowerment. The Centre is funded mainly by annual temporary grants from Trusts or Foundations and from room-hire. We employ 8 local people, and have over 30 volunteers and Trustees, all of whom reflect the profile, needs and diversity of the local community. In 2013 Thanington is no longer regarded as a ‘crime hotspot’ but it still has many issues associated with low educational achievement, poverty and disadvantage. We were recently successful in securing £300,000 from the Lottery ‘Community Buildings Fund’, and other capital grants to extend the Centre, to provide a large, much-needed dedicated youth area, rentable offices and modern training/meeting rooms in order to secure greater revenue and sustainability for the future. The Centre is fully accessible with parking for 40 vehicles, 6 being designated for disabled drivers, integral and portable induction loops, 3 accessible lavatories and level access. We are open 7 days a week 12 hours a day and have free computer and WiFi use – We have a variety of rooms to rent for a wide range of meetings and activities, friendly helpful staff and a delicious buffet menu.
