Youth centre gets council green light
APPROVAL FOR SURGERY TRANSFORMATION WELCOMED
A PROJECT to convert a former GP surgery into a youth centre will be “nice for the area” and provide a positive outlet for young people, according to people in Netherfield.
The plan to change the use of the former Netherfield Centre surgery, which has moved to Knight Street, was approved on Thursday.
Resident Corey Middleton, 30, said: “Kids need to be mucking around with each other like what I was doing when I was a kid.
“I wouldn’t say they cause trouble on around here but you just see a lot of them riding their bikes and doing wheelies up and down the streets messing around and they can be pretty noisy too.
“I think they need to be together doing other things.
“I don’t want them indoors bored. They should be together doing stuff and a youth centre sounds like a good idea.”
Pharmacy dispenser Kerry Andrew, 43, said: “I think it is a very good idea.
“Kids round here really just need something else to do instead of riding their bikes too fast.”
Another Netherfield resident, who asked not to be named, added: “If there is a place they can get together that is not just out on the street or hanging around outside a shop then I think that would be nice for the area. “If the doctor’ s surgery is still open at a different location as well then it is a win-win.”
The council gave the plans the green light on Thursday, September 2.
The sorts of activities that will be held at the centre, on Forester Street, are yet to be confirmed.
A report to councillors said: “The proposal is located within Netherfield Local Centre close to other existing community facilities and there would be no impact on the existing retail frontage.
“(The site is located to the rear of the St George’s Centre (community facility) and does not form part of the retail frontage).
“The proposal does not result in the loss of a community facility as the Netherfield Medical Centre has relocated to enlarged premises nearby.
“For the reasons stated above, I consider that the principle of a community use in this location is acceptable.”
Members of the Gedling Forum raised £45,000 for a deposit to pay for Netherfield’s old GP practice and refurbishment is already under way.
Forum trustee and treasurer Tina Simpson said: “Having a new building will open up bigger and better opportunities. People will want to come and use it.”