Cedars Youth and Community Centre proposals approved

Watford FC's Community Sports and Education Trust and Harrow Council were delighted to receive the news that the plans and proposals for the re-development of Cedars Youth and Community Centre have now been approved. This now means the project can now prepare and plan to appoint an appropriate contractor with the aim of starting work on site in late 2010.

Cedars Youth and Community Centre will deliver a world class facility for young people to use in Harrow . The state of the art facility on the Cedars Estate has been designed by LOM Architecture and Design which will meet the needs of the local community.

It will feature an all-weather football pitch, sports hall, gym and climbing wall, as well as IT facilities, café and space for arts, crafts, music and drama.

Cllr Mitzi Green, Portfolio Holder for Children's Services on Harrow Council, said:

"This is excellent news for people of all ages in Harrow Weald but in particular a huge boost for young people in the area. We couldn't have done this without the help of Watford FC.

"Residents have played a key role, working with the council and Watford FC to design this world class youth and community facility. We're thrilled that this funding announcement will allow us to get on with the construction.

"As well as delivering state-of-the-art sports facilities ahead of the London Olympics, the centre will offer space for arts, music and IT. There really will be something for everyone."

Neil Hart, Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust, Head of Community,

added, " We are delighted to receive full approval for the project to now move forward to the next stage which will result in the appointment of an appropriate contractor with the ultimate aim of starting on site within 6 months . I would like to thank our partners at Harrow Council and our architects LOM who have designed an exceptional community facility. The hard work now starts in order to build a world class facility that can make a real difference to its community"

The concept for the building sets out plans for a unique development for the area that will be considerate to the environment, provide excellent communal space for its users and be protected from any potential vandalism.

The Big Lottery Fund have been reviewing work produced by the partnership which includes a business and sustainability plan, a capital delivery plan and the architectural designs. These proposals have all now been approved. The project also gained full planning approval in February 2010, with the planning committee describing the project as having 'overwhelming support" from the local community. Local young people and residents on the Cedars Estate have attended ten consultation events during 2009 with Weald Tenants and Residents Association also involved as a community partner. Harrow-based youngsters will benefit from a positive environment, where they will be able to utilise their time to socialise safely, as well as develop new skills across a range of activities provided on the Cedars Estate in Harrow.