YOUNGSTERS have laid the first brick in the construction of a new multi-million pound youth centre.

Steps, in Chickerell Road, Weymouth, has been demolished and is being replaced by a modern facility worth £3million, which will be much more than a youth club.

The new centre, which is due to open next February, is part of a £3million investment from the government’s ‘myplace’ programme, developing new youth facilities around the country. Significant improvements to the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) in Knightsdale Road are also part of the project and work there is almost complete.

The old Steps building was suffering from subsidence and was demolished at the end of 2011. Since then, ground work has been completed and, recently, the new steel frame has been installed.

Young people who will be attending the new Steps visited the construction site in Chickerell Road to lay the first brick.

Tim Austin, 18, said: “I’ve been involved with the project for three years since helping to write the bid for ‘myplace’ funding. It’s been a long process but it’s exciting to see the new club taking shape and it was an honour to help lay the first brick.”

Hazel Pritchard, 18, who represents young people on the myplace Project Board added: “We hope lots of young people will enjoy the improved facilities at the WOEC and, once the fabulous new Steps opens, we hope to provide opportunities, activities and support for young people ‘11/7’ – eleven hours a day, seven days a week.”

Work at both sites is being managed by Dorset County Council and undertaken by main contractors Interserve. Contracts manager for Interserve John Goode said: “Interserve Construction is delighted to be involved with the Steps myplace project and are working with DCC and the design team to provide a high-quality building on time and to budget.

“We are sure that the community will be very happy with the finished product.

“During the contract period we will be showing the young people around on a regular basis and where the opportunity arises provide them with some hands-on experience.”