Hoxton Hall to become a Young Hackney Youth Centre - your chance to have your say

As part of the improvements occurring to Hackney's Youth Service, residents are currently being invited to comment on proposals for the development of Hoxton Hall as a Young Hackney youth centre.

The venue can be found on Hoxton Street, and is used by many young people from the south of De Beauvoir.

The development of the space as a flagship venue for youth arts is one phase of Hoxton Hall's larger master plan for refurbishment and will enhance its role a community arts venue.

The Grade II* listed music hall and adjoining arts centre has a long and interesting history having first opened its doors in 1863. However, the last major building works were in 1977 and it is now in need of large scale renewal.

These works, planned to take place between September 2011 and April 2012, will focus on:

• Improving access: New entrance, reception, external signage and lighting, a wheelchair accessible lift and more toilets to increase capacity from 120 to 250
• Better education and youth arts facilities: refurbishment of visual art studio, music rooms, rehearsal rooms, kitchen and cafe

This phase of the of the Hoxton Hall renewal plan is expected to be funded through the MyPlace programme. This programme has already led to a new youth centre in Stoke Newington, which opened in Autumn 2010.

At every stage, young people's views have been at the heart of this programme and the draft plans for Hoxton Hall were drawn up after consultation with young people who use the centre.

If you would like to find out more, you can do by visiting the Young Hackney website. There is an email link on the page so you can submit your comments, and there will be a further opportunity to comment once a formal application is made for planning permission.

This new Young Hackney centre for De Beauvoir, Hoxton and Shoreditch will provide young people with a safe place to go in their spare time and will offer high-quality structured youth activities such as basic life skills, help with homework, media, drama and sport. In addition, young people will be able to access information, guidance and support in areas such as education, training and employment, health, family and relationship matters.