Youth Centre gets $861,000 grant

Youth Centre gets $861,000 grant

Youthline’s plans for its new Manukau Youth and Community centre received a massive shot in the arm just before Christmas.

The ASB Community Trust announced it was donating $861,000 towards the development of the centre which aims to unlock the future for Manukau youth.

The funding comes at a critical time in the projects development and will help drive the project to completion.

The old Papatoetoe fire station is now being redeveloped to house the centre which is due to open later this year.

A decade of planning, research and engagement with the community has helped bring the project to life.

The extensive range of partnerships  involving local youth, families, community groups, supporters and funders are seen as essential to the success of the project .

A 30-year lease from the former Manukau City Council kicked off the project and key funding partnerships followed. They include the Lion Foundation, ASB Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Vodafone New Zealand Foundation, Fairfax Media, Auckland Airport, Ministry for Youth Development and Pacific Steel Group.

The value of youth and community services provided through the new centre is estimated at around $1.4 million a year.