A FORMER cafe in Rhyl is set to be refurbished to create a new safe space to support young people.

Denbighshire County Council plans for East Parade Café include space for a chill out zone, games area, training, a multi station kitchen for independent living skills and training as well as a bespoke therapeutic space.

The modern youth centre will create a comfortable environment for young people to develop skills and access tailored support through activities and training.

Rhyl Journal: Picture: Denbighshire County CouncilPicture: Denbighshire County Council

Targeted support will be available to individuals via one to ones, group meetings and through accredited courses and partnership work, which aims to help individuals to achieve their potential.

Refurbishment works are expected to begin at the start of 2022.

Rhyl Journal: Picture: Denbighshire County CouncilPicture: Denbighshire County Council

In 2012, Rhyl’s youth centre was demolished to enable the new Rhyl High School building to be built and the Council’s Youth Service has since been operating from the Oaktree Integrated Children’s Centre.

The plans aim to create a space that will be:

• An aspirational space for young people to thrive

• A modern fit for purpose accommodation

• A community hub for young people in the locality

• A place where youth work is accessible and inclusive

• An environment to support a holistic youth work approach to young people.

This new location will allow for the Youth Service to have a visible presence on the seafront to support young people and families and promote the value of young people within the community.

Rhyl Journal: Picture: Denbighshire County CouncilPicture: Denbighshire County Council

It will also lead to increased opportunities for partnership arrangements with local organisations delivering activities to young people.

Huw Hilditch-Roberts, cabinet member for education, children's services and public engagement said: “I am delighted we will be able to offer a dedicated supportive hub which will positively influence our young people helping them to achieve their potential.

“Supporting young people and giving them the best start in life is a priority for the Council and this space and projects to support our residents are part of the wider regeneration project in Rhyl.

“This investment holds a very important place in our young people’s futures and I look forward to watching it progress and when open, seeing it positively influence the lives of others.”