Work starts on youth zone

HOBART’S city youth hub, which had its interior destroyed by last year’s floods, has finally begun reconstruction with the aim to reopen its doors in the coming months.

The roughly $400,000 worth of works started this week to restore the Youth Arts and Recreation Centre (Youth ARC) on Collins St.

The City of Hobart Community Participation Coordinator Sophie Calic said the projects and events designed for and by youth haven’t been easy to keep alive since the centre, located within the City Hall building, was badly damaged.

“All of the internal wirings had to be redone and all the internal walls were damaged up to 1.5m high,” Ms Calic said.

Ms Calic said she has noticed a much larger number of youth congregating in the streets since then. Though many of the hub’s activities have been continuing at Criterion House, she said the modified program hasn’t been the same due to space and resource constraints.

Prior to the floods, there were at times up to 80 or 90 young people using the dropin service, Councillor Bill Harvey said.

“While our youth services team has done a fantastic job in providing services from alternative venues, it’s important to have a space dedicated to young people,” Cr Harvey said.

Construction is expected to take about two months, with fit-out to be completed by the end of the year. In addition to the major works, there’ll be a new entrance fronting Market Place and a revamped internal layout allowing for a cafe space.