8 May 2026
Work has officially begun on a brand new youth centre in Hemlington, with spades now in the ground on the first new dedicated youth facility in Middlesbrough for more than a decade.
Luke Myer MP joined representatives from The Junction, Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, local councillors Tom & Nicky and construction partners Portakabin at Cass House Road this week to mark the start of construction on the new centre.
The facility, backed by funding from the Labour Government, will provide a safe and welcoming space for more than 800 local young people every year, delivering thousands of attendances and expanding access to youth services, activities and support in Hemlington.
The project is being delivered by local charity The Junction, whose work with children, young people and families has become a lifeline for many communities across Middlesbrough.
Luke Myer MP said:
“I’m delighted that we’re getting this investment in our area and in our young people.
“For too long, opportunities have been stripped away, and this new centre will begin to turn that around by giving young people an opportunity to contribute to their community and develop their confidence and skills to build their future.
“It’s part of a wider programme of youth provision, with the new MFC Foundation Southlands Centre opening soon, the Mayor’s 10×10 scheme, and our free breakfast clubs in schools, all helping give young people a better start in life.”
The new centre forms part of wider efforts to rebuild youth services in Middlesbrough after years of decline, with investment now going into new facilities, detached youth work and expanded opportunities for young people across the town.
The modular building will be constructed using modern construction methods designed to speed up delivery and minimise disruption in the local area.
Over the coming months, The Junction will work alongside young people and local residents to help shape the activities and services the centre will offer once complete. Jamie Noble, Deputy CEO of The Junction, said the project represented “a hugely important moment” and a major investment in the future of young people in Hemlington.
Mayor Chris Cooke added that the project showed Middlesbrough’s commitment to ensuring young people have access to opportunities.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said:
“I’m delighted to see so much progress on a project that will change the lives of young people in Hemlington.
“One of my key aims as mayor is to focus on helping Middlesbrough’s young people to flourish and I’ve committed to providing youth services in every ward in the town.
“It’s proof of the town’s commitment to our young people and by working with fantastic organisations like The Junction, we are making that happen.”
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, said:
“This is what our Plan for Change means in practice – rebuilding the youth services that were stripped back for too long and giving young people in places like Hemlington real opportunities to thrive.
“Working with brilliant local partners like The Junction, Mayor Chris Cooke and Luke Myer MP, we are investing in the potential of this generation and backing communities to shape a better future for young people.”