Willmott Dixon and army of sub-contractors bring Lordshill Youth Project facilities into 21st century
Local volunteers donate hundreds of man-hours
On Monday 10 February the Lordshill Youth Project officially reopened its doors to young people following an intensive four-week period of refurbishment. The building underwent what can only be described as an inspirational transformation that brought local volunteers together so that young people could benefit from the updated facilities.
The Lordshill Youth Project was first formed in 1999 as a partnership between the local church, Police, and the local Sainsburys supermarket. It was designed to give local young people a safe and fun space supervised by qualified youth workers who offer guidance and support to achieve their goals - to help young people build their confidence, resilience and independence.
Over the 26-year period, the project has supported thousands of young people to build positive relationships, raise aspirations, gain access to education, employment or life skills, and even receive counselling during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the project grew, it moved into the Zoe Braithwaite Centre in Lordshill where it expanded to provide club-based sessions. Working with delivery partner Youth Options, the project provides activities that include everything from crafts to sport as well as hosting holiday clubs where young people learned to prepare and eat healthy food.
In the 2023-24 financial year alone, the Lordshill Youth Project ran over 1100 sessions, providing a safe space for over 200 young people with their mental wellbeing and future opportunities.
Willmott Dixon, a UK based construction company who specialises in contracting and interior fit-out, recently attended a Solent Careers Hub school-based activity where they met with young people and other local businesses to promote careers opportunities. It was here they found out about the Lordshill project and decided to help.
Willmott Dixon helped galvanise their Southampton based sub-contractors to volunteer to refit the facility providing new electrics, toilets, and a fitted kitchen to current safety standards, fixed walls, emptied gutters and decorated it ready for the young people to use it once again. The project was funded from their Social Impact Fund and would have cost tens of thousands of pounds to complete.
Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Construction South said:
“This project is about more than just refurbishing a building; it’s about creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the community, “Seeing our teams and supply chain partners come together to make a real difference is incredibly inspiring. Their generosity, combined with the dedication of our own people, ensures that we leave a lasting, positive impact on the lives of those who rely on this space.”
Councillor Alex Winning, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said:
“The Lordshill Youth Project is an amazing initiative. Having a space to meet with friends that is dry, warm and welcoming can make a huge difference to a young person. When that space is also a place to access support, advice or counselling it can become a lifeline. We are incredibly grateful to Willmott Dixon and all of their sub-contractors for their expertise and support in helping to update the space so it can continue for the next 26 years.”
Coxford Ward Councillor Rebecca Greenhalgh said:
“As a city, our ambition is to help young people thrive. The Lordshill Youth Project is a place where they can access support, play a game of pool or just enjoy spending time with each other. Having been used for many years the space needed to be updated. The building now meets building regulation standards, and the interior is bright and welcoming. Thank you to every volunteer for giving their time so generously and to those who kindly donated materials.”
Young people said:
"Wow this is so beautiful" and "I don’t feel imprisoned by dark colours I feel liberated".
Thank you to everyone who made this special community project happen.
Partners
The majority of labour and materials for this project have been donated as 'gift in kind' by a host of supply chain partners. These include:
- AkzoNobel - Concept design and full donation of paint and materials
- Tarkett - Donated vinyl and matting for upgraded flooring
- Whitecroft - Provided an upgraded lighting system
- Ideal Standard - Supplied a new "Doc M Suite" (a specialised toilet) for improved accessibility
- Willmott Dixon - Provided project management services, sanitaryware, and decorative items
- Horizon Environmental - Conducted a crucial asbestos survey to facilitate safe renovations
- Ideal Interiors, Mitie, SPP Fine Finishes, Global Ceramic, Broadsword, Collards, Dryden,
Nuneaton Signs, and Speedy - Contributed through skilled labour, material donations, and
logistical support - Howdens - Donated a fully fitted kitchen
