Youth Centres to get massive £4 million upgrade

Young people across Brent can look forward to a major boost to their local Youth Centres, as the council’s Cabinet agrees £4 million in funding to upgrade five much-loved spaces across the borough.

The investment is part of Brent Council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing everyday life, delivering the biggest upgrade to public spaces in years. From smoother commutes and greener parks to safer streets and better community facilities, wherever you live, you’ll see and feel the difference.

The five youth projects, chosen by a panel of local young people, include upgrades at Cricklewood Boxing Club in Dollis Hill, the Jason Roberts Foundation gym and sports hall in Stonebridge, The OK Club’s sports hall in Kilburn, Roundwood School and Community Centre, and the Young Brent Foundation’s Anchor Youth Hub in Roundwood.

“This investment is about giving our young people the spaces they need to thrive and feel supported,” said Cllr Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools. “We want to empower young people in Brent to build skills, make new friends, and be active members of their communities.”

The programme supports the ambitions of the Brent Youth Strategy 2025–2028, which aims to ensure every young person in the borough can lead a healthy, safe and fulfilling life. Improvements will include refurbished meeting spaces, upgraded kitchens, new sports hall floors, and improved toilets and changing rooms, creating safer, more welcoming, and accessible places where young people can learn, connect and grow.

This latest investment builds on previous council funding through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), which has already delivered upgrades to local parks, playgrounds and community hubs across Brent. Together, these projects demonstrate how the council is investing in the everyday things that matter most to residents, and ensuring every community has access to quality spaces that make a real difference. Planting trees, fixing potholes, upgrading parks, installing new CCTV cameras and revamping spaces for young people are all part of the plan.

The process to appoint design experts for the youth centre upgrades will begin next month, with detailed planning and design work scheduled for next year.