A COMMUNITY space in Sedbury is a step closer to a major renovation after securing a £25,000 grant from the Barnwood Trust.

Sedbury Space, a not-for-profit organisation set up by local volunteers, is campaigning to renovate the Gaff Youth Club building on King Alfred’s Road in Sedbury. The building has been used by the youth club for the last six years.

After a consultation last year, Sedbury Space are looking to renovate the building so it can be used by the wider community. The full costs of the renovation are thought to be around £55,000, and will include a new and extended kitchen and facilities, a new disabled toilet, decking for outside, and a cafe area.

The work and new disabled toilet will mean all parts of the community can use the space. The newly renovated building will also host a Memory Cafe group for dementia sufferers and their helpers.

The building will complement other community spaces in Sedbury such as the Village Hall, and it is hoped it will provide continued support for local residents.

The building will continue to be the home of the Gaff Youth Project, and Wyedean School students have been asked to help design the logo and website for Sedbury Space. The group will be focusing on fundraising over the next few months, with the hope that building work will begin in June. The group have applied for charity status, and are set to launch a crowdfunding campaign in May.

The Chair of the Sedbury Space committee Janice Hamilton said: “We’re really excited about the project and the investment by Barnwood Trust has made this possible. We look forward to working with the community and bringing the community together to provide a space for local people to use and gather for friendship, and receive support and advice right on their doorstep. If anyone is interested in volunteering or want more information they can contact me at [email protected]"