A CENTRE for young people is to receive more than £1m of improvements.

It is hoped the investment will help attract hundreds of children and teenagers to Witney Young People’s Centre, in Witan Way.

The £1.12m scheme, which is being funded by Oxfordshire County Council, will bring a range of services – from counselling to careers advice – under one roof.

Louise Chapman, the council’s cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “The refurbishment will offer young people in the Witney area a one-stop facility where they can access a range of services designed to assist them.

“I’m delighted young people who are set to benefit from this revamp were involved in the initial planning and design stages.

“I’m sure they will use the centre’s facilities for their own good in the daytime and in the evening.”

About 25 young people are expected to use the centre in the daytime, and up to 150 in the evenings, for activities such as arts projects and band nights.

As part of the project, offices will be provided for youth support staff and counsellors, as well as Connexions advisers, who offer guidance on work, travel and education, especially to young people who are at risk of being, or have been, excluded from school.

Connexions will move its west Oxfordshire office to the centre from its current home in Church Green.

Sean Kearns, of Connexions Oxfordshire, said: “The centre will provide an ideal setting for a range of services for young people in the Witney area, including those provided by us.

“We give information, advice and guidance for young people seeking employment and training.

“The relocation of staff from our present premises to the centre will give young people greater access to our service, alongside other services for young people.”

It is hoped that the scheme – which will include a complete refurbishment of the existing building, along with an extension and a new main entrance, providing easy access for wheelchair users and push-chairs – will be completed by August next year.

The first phase of improvment work at the centre has already been completed, with a new coffee bar and social space in use.

An application for planning permission for the extension and new entrance is expected to be submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council shortly.

The county council hopes that construction work will be able to begin before the end of this year.

witney@oxfordmail.co.uk