Maidenhead & Windsor

It has been years in the planning and months in the construction – and on Tuesday December 18 a major milestone is reached when the final brick is placed on the extension to 4 Marlow Road in Maidenhead to provide a new youth and community centre.

Local Maidenhead councillors, the design team, staff from organisations that will use the centre and young people will gather to celebrate the topping out ceremony on the long-awaited centre, which will replace the popular Castle Hill Youth and Community Centre in High Town Road.

The council has been working for many years to find a replacement for the rundown Castle Hill centre to provide town centre services for young people and the wider community.

The extension sits alongside the existing Grade II listed building which used to house social services and was originally the local technical college – and which is undergoing internal refurbishment.

In one of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough’s most ambitious community projects, the enlarged premises – scheduled to open in late spring – will provide an up-to-the-minute centre with meeting rooms, a dance studio, café, games hall and youth club facilities.

As well as youth activities, the centre will be home to four community organisations – the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Relate (relationship counselling), the No 22 youth counselling service and Connexions (youth service).

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: “This is one of the most exciting and important community projects ever undertaken by the council. We already have a fantastic range of leisure facilities in the borough, including two of the top-rated leisure centres in the country, well-stocked parks and open spaces and a popular nature centre.

“The addition of a centre designed especially with young people in mind will mean even more choice for our young people.”

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children’s services, said: “This project reflects the high priority we place on providing first class facilities for our young people, giving them the opportunity to develop talents and friendships, and seek advice, in a safe, welcoming environment.

“Once complete, the centre will be an excellent venue where young people can gather and take part in a whole range of activities.”

The project has been funded from the proceeds of the sale of the Castle Hill site.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead