PLANS for a controversial new youth centre in Thurrock are moving forward, with Thurrock Council approving plans to draw up a business plan.

Despite some local opposition to the location of the centre and some local campaigners raising issues it was agreed The Youth Zone on Anchor Fields will be delivered by the national Youth Charity OnSide

On Wednesday (13 March), Thurrock's cabinet agreed funding and lease agreements should now be drawn up for the scheme.

The Youth Zone will offer a wide range of sporting, artistic, cultural, physical and recreational activities for young people aged eight to 19 years, or up to 25 years for those with additional needs. It will be accessible and affordable by all and open from 8am to 10pm, every day of the year.

Presenting the update to cabinet, Cllr Ben Maney, portfolio holder for regeneration and highways, said: "The Youth Zone has the potential to provide a vital range of services and improved outcomes for young people in Thurrock and it's essential the project is properly managed and delivered."

Council leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies added: "This such an exciting and potentially transformational project for the whole borough not just Tilbury.

Cllr Ben Maney addressed the meeting.

"It's agreed we need to get spades in the ground and get this working and they are actively working to achieve that. We fully support this project."

Cllr Deborah Arnold said the Youth Zone would be unlike latter-day youth clubs. She said: "I've seen the one in Croydon and the one in Dagenham. They are such a far cry from the youth centre of my day with a few crayons and a colouring book at the back of the hall.

"They are amazing. There's a rock climbing wall, the team sports they inspire there, musicians and a music room. I know there were concerns about antisocial behaviour increasing in Tilbury because of the youth centre. For me it can't do anything other than do the opposite so I'm really looking forward to this coming through."

Under the Government's Town Fund Scheme, Tilbury was been awarded £22.8 million in funding to support transformational projects put forward in the Tilbury Town Investment Plan. The bid was shaped by residents and local businesses and people who work in Tilbury and included proposals for a new youth facility in the town.

A report to cabinet said: "The proposed Thurrock Youth Zone facility will be a place that is specifically designed for young people, providing them with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to."

The scheme has been supported by the Thames Freeport and has been backed by Thurrock MP Dame Jackie Doyle-Price.