A Government grant of nearly £1m has been secured to deliver a new building at the Wisbech Adventure Playground.
It will enable the development of youth services, designed to meet the needs of children and young people of Waterlees and the wider Wisbech community.
In line with the National Youth Guarantee, the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has awarded Cambridgeshire County Council £914,650 as part of its Youth Investment Fund.
The Council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion committee today (July 6) approved the procurement process for the build programme.
The Government grant will mean the Council can replace the two barges on the playground site, which are approaching the end of their life, to provide a new fit for purpose space for children and young people in the area.
The replacement building will align with the County Council’s ambitions for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. The building will be constructed off site to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding environment before installation.
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee said: “I am delighted that the Council has been successful in securing this significant grant. The barges have been used and enjoyed for many years, but the time has come to replace them.
“This will provide a safe place for young people to take part in positive activities and socialise, with improved and increased access to professional support, trusted adults and community based youth workers. This grant will enable the Council to help to improve the health and well-being of the young people who use these facilities, as well as addressing other issues which they so often face.”