Project aims
The vision of the XCHANGE project is to create a world class centre
for young people called The Mix.
The Mix will be a multi-purpose youth facility where young people
aged 13 and 19 (up to 25 with additional needs) can experience
positive recreational activities in a safe environment, and access
independent advice and guidance from various specialists.
A housing unit will provide suitable short-term emergency
accommodation, with specialist support and housing advice staff
living on site 24/7, working with the young residents to either
return home, or move into age-appropriate supported housing.
The involvement of young people and the local community
The strength of the Mix is the fact that it has been designed by
local young people through consultation with the wider youth
population in and around Stowmarket. The Stowmarket community board
consultation which took place in June 2009 identified “more places
to go, things to do for teenagers” as one of the three key
priorities for the area.
As the Mix continues to develop, young people will remain involved
in the project in terms of the building design and how the facility
will operate. A dedicated youth participation worker has been
employed to manage the young person’s engagement throughout the
duration of the project. Local residents and community groups will
also be consulted and kept informed of developments.
To lend your support to the project or keep up to date with
developments, sign up to the Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/themixstowmarket
Project background
The project was awarded a £4.75m
myplace grant from the
Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). The Big
Lottery Fund is delivering myplace on behalf of DCSF. So far,
myplace has funded 62 projects across England worth £240
million. Further details about
myplace are available at
the
DCSF website.
The lead organisation is Suffolk County Council’s
Children and Young People’s Directorate. Other partners include
Suffolk Police; Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Town
Council, Young Suffolk and Suffolk Business Link East.
Project progress
The formal planning application was unanimously
approved by Suffolk County Council’s development control committee
on July 21, 2010. To see the official plans and artist
impressions of the building follow this link:
The Mix site plans and visuals
The building work will take two years. The intention is to start
on site in the autumn of 2010 and open the new facility
by the autumn of 2012.
Page last updated:
23/07/2010.