Improving YAC in Southall

Work to improve Southall’s Young Adults Center (YAC) came to a close last week with the decision to award a contract for the refurbishment.

The contract, valued at almost £1.9m, has been awarded to G&V Contracts Ltd. It means Ealing Council can now move forward with plans to deliver a flexible new internal layout for the building, creating more options for how children, young people and other community groups can use the centre.

Very valuable

Councilor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start, said: “It was a real honor to sign this contract.

“YAC is a much valued and important asset to the community and contributes so much to the lives of young people in Southall. And the approach we’re taking to redevelopment has been informed by the young people who use it. I am so pleased that we are securing his future in Southall.”

Actively involved

As part of the redesign process, the young people who use YAC were actively involved in discussions and decisions about the layout of the centre. They also gave their feedback on the programs and activities they would like to see delivered from their center when it reopens later this year.

The total estimated cost of the refurbishment is approximately £2.4m, which includes the contract with G&V Contracts Ltd, contingencies and tax costs and expenditure on new ICT and gym equipment.

Following consultation with young people and the local community in 2022, the council decided that YAC in Southall would remain on its current site and not be relocated. It was agreed at the April 2023 cabinet meeting that it would be refurbished to provide services that children, young people and the community want, supported by a sustainable financial model.