Year 10 Pupil Celebrates the Opening of Preston’s New Youth Centre

Last week, we shared the news that Year 10 pupil, Taejuan, would be helping to launch the brand-new Foxton Youth & Community Centre in Avenham, a project he has been passionately involved with for over three years. We’re now pleased to report that the centre officially opened its doors on Friday 20 June, with Taejuan playing a key role in the celebrations.

The opening event welcomed guests including local dignitaries, community leaders, and representatives from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport. Taejuan, alongside other young people who helped shape the project, gave speeches, led tours, and shared the story of how the centre came to life - from the successful £2.4 million funding bid to the design and development of the new space.

Taejuan said: “It was brilliant showing the MP, the Mayor and people from the BBC and media around.

“I was very proud of it all and being a part of it. We were there for hours but it was exciting.”

The new facility, located on Knowsley Street in Preston, replaces the original 1969 building and has been designed with young people at its heart. It features a kitchen, well-being and gaming rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a multi-purpose hall - all chosen and shaped by the youth forum Taejuan is part of. He also contributed to a video campaign early in the project, highlighting the need for a modern, inclusive space for young people in the area.

“We are now open to the public and it’s nice to see the children come in. I have been volunteering with them and it’s great when they come inside and see all the new facilities. We have attracted a lot of new people.

“My favourite parts of it are the gaming room, where we have an X-Box and a Playstation, and the sports hall, which is a bit smaller than Priory’s sports hall.”

Taejuan’s involvement has been described as “a testament to his commitment to making a difference in his community,” and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements. 

We look forward to seeing how Taejuan continues to inspire others through his dedication.

**Photos courtesy of Blog Preston