Diamond Special Works has handed over a £1.1m project which has brought a new youth hub called Rising Green to Wood Green in Haringey, London.
The launch of Rising Green Youth Hub was marked with an event attended by Haringey councillors as well as the young people and partners involved in the project.
Appointed by Haringey Council, Diamond Special Works transformed a former retail unit to create the new facility. Located within a mixed-use development, the two-storey building was stripped back to its shell and then remodelled based on a design shaped by a group of young people in Wood Green, known as Wood Green Young Voices.
Based on their experiences of growing up in the N22 area, the young people have co-designed the space, feeding their ideas into the architecture, brand, logo and name of the inclusive youth hub, as well as what the space and programme will offer.
To deliver the bespoke facility, Diamond Special Works has fitted new internal walls and doors, creating a workspace, games lounge, sensory room, recording studio and multi-media room as well as a new kitchen and café area.
A platform lift has been installed and the youth hub also benefits from upgraded mechanical and electrical services.
One of the Young Voices, Yasin, commented: “The name Rising Green is meant to represent us all growing up together and improving ourselves along the way. That’s evident in the logo, which is of a rising sun, and the colour scheme is vibrant and welcoming as well.
“I’ve lived here all my life and I haven’t seen anything like it. It will provide lots of young people with things to do in their spare time and hopefully it will affect the local area in a positive way.”
David Lott, Contracts Manager at Diamond Special Works, commented: “This has been a really rewarding project that has repurposed a redundant property into a large and welcoming facility. It provides a safe and unique space for young people in the area to socialise and learn new skills.
“It’s been a pleasure to help Wood Green Young Voices and Haringey Council realise their vision for the site and see the Rising Green Youth Hub officially open its doors.”
The new youth hub is aimed at young people aged 11 to 19 as well as those up to age 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The facility will offer activities including arts, music production, web design, and employment and life skills workshops.
Cllr Peray Ahmet, Leader of Haringey Council, said: “It’s through community assets such as the Rising Green Youth Hub that we’re investing in our young people, helping them to get on in life and achieve their dreams.”
Diamond Special Works is part of the Diamond Build Group and specialises in public sector building work for projects up to £2m.
