Ealing Council Cabinet has voted to spend £2.8 million to retrofit and renovate Southall's Young Adult Centre (YAC) and save it from demolition. 

At a meeting on Wednesday 19th April, the cabinet took the decision to go against plans to redevelop the building and move the YAC, but instead decided to retrofit the building following a consultation with residents and young people who use the centre. 

Plans for the building include upgrading the existing sound studio, replace and improve IT cabling and WiFi, create a new kitchen, remodel the interior to create better useable space including a gym and fitness area, and extend the community room to provide more space for partners and community use. 

This will go alongside doing work to the fabric of the building such as heating and electrics, replacing doors and windows, improving accessibility by installing a lift, upgrading security and redecorating throughout. 

There is also the possibility of re-landscaping the site to make room for more sports and activities by renovating and modernising the Multi-Use Games Area with Astroturf and flood lighting for more people to use and enjoy. 

Councillor Kamiljit Nagpal, cabinet member for a fairer start said: "As a council, we have listened to the local community and the young people who use the YAC and are taking the opportunity to make sure that the YAC is fit for the future.  

"It is exciting to be able to take this opportunity to rethink a much-valued space and ensure it is fit for purpose for many, many years to come. 

"Actions to make the building more environmentally sustainable are a key requirement which, along with incorporating the voices of children and young people in the design, will create a vibrant, sustainable, and cost-effective building for the future." 

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Work is planned to start later this year, starting with decommissioning the current building and applying for planning permission, beginning renovation and temporarily moving the YAC to Dormers Hub, deciding on the final refurbishment by discussing it with young people, and then finally doing the external developments. 

Cabinet also agreed that an options appraisal will be undertaken to consider and create an alternative delivery model for youth services in Ealing which may include the formation of a Charitable Foundation to safeguard the delivery of future youth services not just at the YAC, but across the borough.