Various options are being considered for the future of Sidmouth's Youth Centre in Manstone Lane.

The Manstone Youth Centre is owned by Sidmouth Town Council, with youth services run by Young Devon, but the building is old and no longer fit for purpose.

The youth centre is also used by other organisations including Sidmouth Repair Café. The Repair Café has been advised to look for alternative premises from September this year.

No decision has been made yet on whether to rebuild on the current site, or possibly relocate; the council will be looking at the most suitable and best value solution.

Cllr Hilary Nelson of Sidmouth Town Council’s Youth Provision Working Group/New Youth Centre Working Group said: “Manstone Youth Centre is coming to the end of its natural life and the Town Council is therefore discussing possible options for reuse or rebuilding on the site.

“The Council has undertaken a survey of young people in the Sid Valley to understand their needs and aspirations, and commissioned a feasibility study to look at options for the built environment.

“Although it has yet to make a final decision as to the future of the site, it is clear that whatever option is taken, there will be some disruption to the existing users of the centre. The Town Council is keen to ensure that all the organisations that use the existing building, including the Town Council commissioned youth services, have robust contingency plans in place. 

“We have therefore communicated with organisations such as the Repair Cafe, to advise them to review alternative options.”