YOUNGSTERS have finally managed to get inside a new centre full of fun activities for them to do.

The eagerly anticipated Warndon Youth and Community Centre in Shap Drive, Warndon, opened its doors on Monday, July 25.

The Warndon community was involved in the consultation and planning of the £1.2 million project, which also included improvement work to the existing community centre.

Young people can now use the purpose-built facility, which offers a wide range of activities including music production, sport, cooking and art.

Sam Hampton, aged 13, of Warndon, said: “I’m looking forward to cooking in the kitchen, I love the new kitchen. It’s a lot better than the last centre.

“There’s lots of things to do. It’s a good space to come and chill with my friends.”

Her sister Clare Hampton, 15, said: “I think it’s going to be really great because we have been waiting ages to get in there.

“I can’t wait to spend time doing different stuff. There’s lots on offer.”

The new youth extension has now been handed over to the new joint owners, Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council, but it will be run by Worcester Community Trust.

The trust is responsible for the management of six community centres across the city.

Amanda Hughes, lead youth worker for Worcester Community Trust, said: “I think we have got some exciting times ahead and plenty of challenges.

“If we can overcome the challenges of being in a new space with existing young people it’ll make it quite a big development and there will be plenty to do.

“We’re very fortunate to have what we have got in Warndon.”

The new youth centre replaces the previous youth centre in Chedworth Drive which became too expensive to repair and maintain.

The new extension and improvements made to the existing centre also complements a wider scheme to rejuvenate the park next to the centre and includes play equipment for children and teenagers.