A community centre is set for a major transformation to increase capacity and better serve young people.
Eastbrook Manor Community Centre will be upgraded thanks to funding secured by Adur District Council to support youth services.
More than £840,000 has been awarded from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, with the council contributing an additional £430,000 to the project.
Councillor Sharon Sluman, Adur’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “Eastbrook Manor Community Centre provides a vital space for Fishersgate residents to socialise and access support.
“It’s great to see that the centre is getting the investment and support that it needs to build on the great work that already exists as well as provide more activities and opportunities for young people in the area.”
The plans include removing old external structures and a disused roller-skating rink to make way for two new modular buildings.
The centre currently offers a variety of services and activities, including classes, workshops, support services, educational activities, community events, creative arts and social opportunities.
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The improvements will expand its capacity, revive unused areas and provide more facilities for youth-focused activities.
The centre is currently run by the council with input from a voluntary management advisory group but will be operated by Community People once building work is complete.
The charity, which aims to strengthen community connections, collaborated with the council in October to gather residents’ feedback on desired improvements.
Suggestions included making the centre more visible and inviting, improving the overgrown rink area and offering more intergenerational activities.
Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with completion expected by September 2026.
The centre will remain open throughout the works, with only minor disruptions expected.
Additional upgrades include paving, car park improvements and new accessible pathways to the north and south of the building.