A new dedicated space for young people to socialise after school has officially opened in Retford after securing government funding.
The Overflow Lounge, located behind The Well Baptist Church on Hospital Road, has been created by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board in partnership with The Well, The Elizabethan Academy and Retford Oaks Academy.
£25,000 has been spent on refurbishing the outbuilding, with improvements including a new kitchen, updated layout, fresh decoration, new flooring, lighting and equipment. The design was shaped by consultation with young people from both schools.
Rick Brand, Chair of the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board, said: "We have been working for some time towards delivering a safe after-school environment for young people to enjoy, and it is great to finally see it arrive. Many thanks go to Cllr Sue Shaw and Steve Walker, who have worked so hard to make this idea into a reality."
The lounge will give young people the chance to relax, play games, enjoy snacks and socialise in a safe and welcoming environment. Young people will also be encouraged to get involved in running sessions and bringing their own ideas and activities.
Funding came through the Town Centre Streetscaping Fund, provided by the UK Government and allocated by Bassetlaw District Council.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place, said: "The Overflow Lounge gives young people a welcoming place of their own where they can connect, have fun and socialise. It builds on the provision that Retford's Young People's Centre offers. I am looking forward to seeing how this develops over the coming months and the difference it will make for young people in the town."
The Overflow Lounge will initially welcome students after school on Wednesdays, with plans to expand to more days in the future.