A YOUTH centre in West Ealing has been acclaimed as one of London’s best buildings by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Westside Young People’s Centre, which is Ealing Council’s flagship site for youth projects, was awarded the accolade as one of 18 projects in the capital recognised for excellence in architecture.
Westside, on Churchfield Road, West Ealing, is built on the site of the former W13 youth centre and underwent a £2.65 million transformation before re-opening last year.
The building hosts a wide range of youth-orientated services all under one roof including health facilities, counselling, a training kitchen, sports facilities, craft room, gym and a dance space.
It also provides facilities for education, careers advice and a music studio.
Young people were integral to the site as they only helped design it but were also there to show RIBA judges around when they visited the building in May of this year.
An excerpt from the judges comments read: “When architecture uplifts young people and helps to change the course of their lives it can only be commendable. Westside Young People’s Centre is just such a project and its users are infectiously enthusiastic about their building.”
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “This is a really significant achievement. Westside is a superb building that serves our young people brilliantly. Well done to everyone who worked on the project.”
Gavin Leonard, the council’s chief architect and the lead designer on the project, said: “To receive the endorsement of the RIBA is a special honour and, considering the calibre of some of the architects whose projects were not given awards this year, a fantastic result. Enormous credit is due to everyone who contributed to the design.”
To find out more about the work going on at the site, go online at www.youngealing.co.uk.
