Youngsters vote on name for £3.4 million centre

The waiting is almost over for young people across Rotherham as the name of a new £3.4 million youth centre - which they have voted for - is announced today.

As part of Local Democracy Week, hundreds of young people have been voting to choose a name for the new multi-million pound centre, which is part of the Chantry YMCA's Myplace project and will provide a range of new youth facilities and opportunities.

Over recent months the Rotherham Youth Service Young Advisers, Matt Flory and Louise Toon, have been collecting suggested names from young people for the new centre which is proposed for land near St Ann’s roundabout in the town centre.

The borough’s Youth Cabinet then took that list of 99 suggestions and created a shortlist of six which are now being voted on by school pupils around Rotherham.

The ballot boxes will be collected and taken to Thornhill Young People’s Centre for the official count this morning and the winning name will be announced later today.

Councillor Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development and Engagement, added: “Getting young people interested in what happens in their community and ensuring their voice is heard in providing facilities and services that meet their needs is an important element of local democracy.

“This vote not only gives them that chance to have their say but also gives young people an insight into politics, local decision-making and election processes which will encourage them to be involved in their area as they continue through their lives.”

David Sargeant, from Chantry YMCA, said: "The Myplace project has given a powerful voice to young people in Rotherham. The myplace facility is a very real expression of what young people have described as their wish for dedicated facilities in Rotherham and the partnership has worked hard to meet their expectations."