Plans for two youth-focused hubs in Peterborough will be progressed following confirmation that the city has been chosen for the facilities.
The Department of Culture and Media and Sport has confirmed that it intends to fund two Young Futures Hubs in the city as part of a £70 million national transformation programme to enhance and improve local youth service offers.
Funding for the hubs is subject to approval of an implementation plan in February/March 2027 which council officers will now progress. If approved, the authority will make further announcements on the plans and look to confirm timescales.
Young Futures Hubs connect young people directly to the services that address the biggest challenges they are facing. Alongside providing open access to sports, creative activities and trusted youth workers, each hub will link to mental health support, skills and training, routes into employment, and crime prevention.
The hubs will ensure that young people aged 10 to 18 (up to 25 for those with SEND) can receive seamless, holistic support without having to repeat their story to a different service every time they visit. The facilities will also support young people aged 10 to 18, and up to 25 for those with SEND, giving them somewhere to go, something to do, and someone who cares.
Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The fact that Peterborough is one of just 26 authorities to be granted funding for Young Futures Hubs, shows that the government shares our thorough commitment to supporting young people. I'm looking forward to seeing these plans progress over the coming months.
"This is an exciting time for young people in the city, with plans for a Youth Zone on the Embankment in the pipeline along with other initiatives. We are also actively working to develop a local youth offer which addresses the needs of young people in Peterborough and supports government priorities. Our youth offer will reflect the changing needs of young people, enabling them to develop new skills for life and work."
Each Young Futures Hub will be designed locally and will meet three outcomes: increasing opportunities, improving mental health and wellbeing, and reducing crime.
The hubs will offer inclusive, welcoming spaces, both physically and digitally, to provide coordinated support for young people. Activities will be designed to be youth-led where possible and will offer enriching opportunities such as arts, sports, volunteering, and skills-based projects, all aimed at fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
You can find out more about Young Futures Hubs on the government's website.