Rooftop pitch and climbing wall planned for new St Helier youth centre

Plans have been submitted for a new youth and community centre in the north of St Helier, which the government hopes will be fully open by the summer of 2028.

If planning consent is granted, a new youth and community centre will be created on the site of the former Ann Street Brewery, which includes the former Belmont Pub.

The empty buildings will be redeveloped into a five-floor hub that will become the new home for the Youth Enquiry Service (YES) - the counselling service for young people operated by Jersey Youth Service which is currently based at Eagle House at La Colomberie.

The site of the former Ann Street Brewery will become a youth and community centre. 

Plans for the youth centre include a health and beauty studio, home economics (cookery) room, climbing wall, and music media room.

There will also be sports facilities, including a boxing gym, dance studio and sports hall.

A rooftop kick pitch will mean that, despite being in the centre of town, there is still a large outdoor space. 

The layout uses the original structure's floors and mezzanines around important historical installations from the old brewery.

 Designs show how the buildings on Ann Street will be converted to provide sport and leisure facilities for young people.

The government wants the initial stages of the redevelopment, including the relocated YES service - to be ready by December 2026, before the lease expires on Eagle House.

It is hoped the facility will be fully opened by June 2028.

There are 2710 children and young people in St Helier, with 71% of people living in flats. 

A survey has found that 1,600 young people live withing walking distance of the chosen Ann Street site. 

 The plans for the new town youth and community centre have been submitted to the Planning department for approval.

Public consultations have heard feedback,  receiving comments including 'excellent' and (the plans are) the best thing I've heard in so long'.

Mark Capern, Associate Director for Young People's Services, is excited to start the process:

"We've listened to what young people have said, and we know from our day-to-day work what works and what doesn't in a youth centre.

"We are going to have a really special centre in town for young people to access, and (for) the community. 

"It's about making sure we can create something really exciting, regenerate this area of town, and - more importantly - provide children and young people a safe space to go and someone to talk to."

Deputy Malcom Ferey, Assistant Minister for Children and Families, says it's already taking shape:

"It's going to be one of the best facilities we'll have on the island.

"This area is surrounded by flats. Lots of children and young people there need good play facilities, access to a sports hall, a climbing wall, and generally access to youth services. 

‘It is vital that we continue to invest in services to support our children and young people and provide support and guidance for the adults of the future."

 The completed redevelopment of the Ann Street Brewery site into a new youth and community centre for St Helier. Credit Dandara/Axis Mason.