Volunteers are ‘delighted’ at the local community’s efforts in helping to save a youth and community centre from closure - and plans are now being drawn up to renovate the site.  

As previously reported, Bridport Youth and Community Centre on Gundry Lane faced closure by the end of the year if volunteers could not raise £20,000 for its survival.

Following a successful online crowdfunding appeal launched in April, the fundraising target was then extended to £30,000. 

By July 31, the crowd funder amassed £28,951 and an estimated £2,755.25 in gift aid. It had 204 supporters over the 106 days that the appeal ran. Bridport brewers Palmers also promised to match fund anything beyond £20,000.

Now, with the extra funds from the target, the youth centre trustees are looking to renovate the site with improvements the building 'desperately needs.'

This includes plans for improvements to the ground floor meeting room, as well as the kitchen, office areas and toilet facilities in a bid to create both a welcoming space for young people after school, and a safe space for youth workers to hold one-to-one sessions.

A café space has also been mentioned as part of the plans to renovate the centre.

Margie Barbour, a dedicated user and volunteer of the centre who was a former trustee, said: “Appealing to the community has been a really worthwhile venture. It has shown us that Bridport really does value its youth centre.

“Achieving the extended target of £30,000 means we can continue to offer our three vibrant youth clubs as well as space for all the community activities. But even more excitingly, we can begin to develop the improvements the old building desperately needs.  

“Particularly space for the young people to privately share their worries, a toilet area that serves the needs of the clubs, and a welcoming café space.” 

Bridport Youth and Community Centre Trust took over the youth centre from the then-Dorset County Council in 2016, offering activities to promote inclusion and reduce social isolation for those aged under 21 and over 55.