WORK IS set to begin on a £1.5m complex which will bring together services for children in Burnley.

The Burnley Youth Zone will be based in the former Meadowbank day centre in Whittam Street.

It will be open for a minimum of five nights a week and will feature a multi-purpose hall, internet café, kitchen, space for group work and private sessions, studio and performance areas for arts, music and drama and an outdoor multi-use sports area.

As well as providing leisure and culture activities, the building will also be a base for services providing early support to vulnerable young people.

It will provide some aspects of children’s social care and incorporate the youth offending team, meaning all youth services will be brought together on the same site.

Plans have also been announced for a Youth Zone in Rossendale, where the Young People’s Centre in Rawtenstall will be developed.

The zone in Nelson is already up and running, having opened in 2011 and a similar building opened in Blackburn town centre in February.

Councillor Mark Perks, county cabinet member for young people, said: “We are determined to deliver first class services for Burnley's young people, which is why we are committed to creating this state-of-the-art Youth Zone.

“The opportunity to bring a variety of young people’s services together in the same building will bring major benefits to young people.”

The £1.5m funding for developing the Meadowbank day centre was agreed by county councillors yesterday.

Council officers will now work with young people and other stakeholders during the autumn to develop the proposals.