Ribbon cut on new Ponders End Youth Centre building featuring recording studio, boxing gym and mechanics workshop

*The new youth centre features a boxing gym (credit Enfield Council)*

A new building for Ponders End Youth Centre has been opened in South Street as part of an estate regeneration programme.

The new two-storey youth centre in South Street features a recording studio, boxing gym, mechanics workshop and basketball court, as well as several multi-functional spaces, and is fully accessible. It is open to young people aged between eleven and 19 years, or up to 25 years if they are disabled.

The building was funded by Enfield Council’s Alma Estate regeneration project, in partnership with developer Countryside. The old youth centre, first opened in 1971, was deemed “no longer fit for purpose” and is now being demolished.

*Deputy mayor of Enfield Christine Hamilton cuts the ribbon at the opening of the new Ponders End Youth Centre building (credit Enfield Council)*

The deputy mayor for Enfield, Christine Hamilton, cut the ribbon to declare the centre open and was joined by Edmonton MP Kate Osamor. Speeches were heard from young leaders, past members, Joe Morris Boxing Club and Steppaz, which provides professional classes for all ages to help develop self-confidence.

Mahtab Uddin, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is a state-of-the art facility for all our young people living in the borough of Enfield, providing a safe place to learn and play.

“I thank everyone involved in this project bringing it to a reality.”

Kevin Delve, a managing director for Countryside, said: “As the first of the new community facilities to be opened at our ‘Elements’ regeneration of Alma Estate, this is a particularly important milestone for us.

“The new youth centre is symbolic of our commitment to creating a sustainable community for future generations in Ponders End, and we’re proud to see the regeneration take this vital step forward.”

More than 1,000 new homes are being built on Alma Estate, with hundreds already complete. Three of the estate’s original four tower blocks have now been demolished to make way for the redevelopment near Ponders End Station.

*The outside of the new Ponders End Youth Centre building in South Street features a tile mural*

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