A neighbourhood hub is poised for a significant overhaul following investment exceeding £1.2 million.

Eastbrook Manor Community Centre in Fishersgate will undergo transformation to enhance provisions for young people and broaden facilities available to local residents.

Adur District Council has obtained over £840,000 from the government’s Youth Investment Fund and will add a further £430,000 toward the scheme.

Councillor Becky Allinson, who serves as deputy leader of Adur District Council, commented that the centre serves an essential function for Fishersgate inhabitants, providing a place for socialising and accessing assistance. She expressed satisfaction that the venue is receiving the funding and backing required to build upon existing positive work while also expanding activities and opportunities for young people locally.

The proposals involve demolishing outdated external structures and an abandoned roller-skating rink, which will make way for two purpose-built modular structures.

Additional enhancements will encompass fresh paving, improved parking areas, and wheelchair-accessible walkways on either side of the premises.

The facility will be managed by Community People, a charitable organisation that collaborated with the council during October of the previous year to collect views from residents regarding proposals for the centre.

The council is now moving forward with measures to increase the venue’s prominence and make it more inviting, address the state of disrepair affecting the skate rink zone, and provide a broader range of activities spanning different generations.

At present, the centre offers an array of sessions, workshops, support provisions, educational programmes, community gatherings, creative arts initiatives and social occasions.

Work is scheduled to commence within the coming month with completion targeted for September 2026.

During the building phase, the centre will continue operating with only minimal disruption expected.

The Youth Investment Fund forms part of the government’s National Youth Guarantee and seeks to ensure young people throughout England can access regular activities outside school hours, volunteer positions, and residential experiences.