Planning has begun for The Forest Road Youth Hub, which will provide a centre for east London borough’s youth provision

The Hub will be a lively space as part of Hackney Council's Myplace programme. It will be used for dance, sport, IT, counselling and relaxing in the heart of Hackney.

Matthew Lloyd Architects has won the planning contract for the £2.5 million youth centre. The Hub was developed in consultation with the youth workers and young people who use it. 

It will be built on the site of an existing sub-standard single-storey facility and expands the range of services offered.

It features extensive glazing on the ground floor to foster an open relationship between the street and main common area within the building. However, large timber shutters also allow intimate spaces to be created.

A new central courtyard and a private garden are also part of the designs.

The building is part of the goverment's Myplace initiative, where Hackney has been awarded £5 million to invest in youth centres. The other new centres will be in Shoreditch, Homerton, Woodberry Down and Stoke Newington. The Forest Road Youth Hub will be the central facility.