🌟 Spade in the Ground for New Youth Facility as The Junction Begins Work on Transformational Community Space

Press Release – 8th May 2026

Work has officially begun on a new dedicated facility for young people, marking a major milestone in the development of a vibrant, inclusive space designed to support and inspire the next generation.

Representatives from The Junction, local elected members, Portakabin, attended a symbolic ‘spade in the ground’ event on 8th of May as work commenced at Cass House Road. The project, led by The Junction, signals the start of an exciting new chapter for young people in the area, with the organisation committed to creating a space shaped by and for the community it will serve.

The new facility, will provide a dedicated safe, welcoming environment where young people can access opportunities, build confidence, and connect with others and will be the first new youth Facility in Middlesbrough for over a decade. The facility will provide access to over 800 local young people and delivering more than 4000 attendances each year.

Construction of the modular facility will be delivered by Portakabin as main contractor, using modern methods of construction to support efficient delivery of the new space.

Over the coming months, The Junction will work closely with young people, local residents, and community groups to help shape how the space is used and ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of those it is intended for.

Jamie Noble, DCEO of The Junction said “Breaking ground on this project is a hugely important moment. This new facility represents our commitment to investing in young people and creating opportunities that will make a lasting difference in their lives. We’re especially excited to work alongside young people and community partners to help shape what this space becomes.”

Kate Stewart, Youth Investment Fund Director for Social Investment Business, said “This is great news for youth services and young people. Even more young people will have new opportunities to thrive in high quality youth centres in some of the most deprived parts of the country. We are thrilled that The Junction is one of the youth services benefiting from the Youth Investment Fund. The Modern Methods of Construction programme, delivered in partnership with Portakabin, is an exciting and innovative project, and its fast-paced turnaround means that young people will soon be reaping the benefits.”

Building Stronger Community Connections

As construction progresses, The Junction will actively engage with organisations, groups, and individuals who share a commitment to supporting young people.

The Junction is one of the organisations awarded a Youth Investment Fund grant to build a brand-new youth facility to benefit young people in Hemlington, off Cass House Road. It’s part of a £22 million in Youth Investment Fund grants have been awarded to 16 youth services to build 22 new youth facilities in England using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: "I'm delighted to see so much progress on a project that will change the lives of young people in Hemlington.
"One of my key aims as mayor is to focus on helping Middlesbrough's young people to flourish and I've committed to providing youth services in every ward in the town.
"It's proof of the town's commitment to our young people and by working with fantastic organisations like The Junction, we are making that happen."

Luke Myer, MP said “I'm delighted that we're getting this investment in our area and in our young people. For too long, opportunities have been stripped away, and this new centre will begin to turn that around by giving young people an opportunity to contribute to their community and develop their confidence and skills to build their future. "It's part of a wider programme of youth provision, with the new MFC Foundation Southlands Centre opening soon, the Mayor's 10x10 scheme, and our free breakfast clubs in schools, all helping give young people a better start in life.”

James Pearson, Divisional MD for GB Sales and Site Accommodation at Portakabin commented: “It’s fantastic to be supporting The Junction in the delivery of this important new youth facility. By combining modern methods of construction with collaborative partnership working, we can help create a high-quality space that will deliver lasting benefits for young people and the wider community.”

This collaborative approach will ensure the facility becomes a valued community asset, fostering connection, inclusion, and opportunity for years to come.

Construction is now underway, with the facility expected to take shape over the coming months.

Throughout this period The Junction will be inviting young people and community groups to get involved, alongside its regular detached youth work in the area, in shaping the programmes and activities that will be delivered once the doors open.

The Junction encourages anyone with an interest in supporting local young people to get involved. You can connect to The Junction about this project through info@thejunctionfoundation.com or on 0164275600.

Find out more about the Youth Investment Fund

ENDS 

Lead contact at The Junction for media/press enquiries:

Beth Major, CEO

email beth.major@thejunctionfoundation.com

Notes to Editors  

The Junction is a Tees Valley-based charity supporting children, young people, and families facing additional challenges. Through services including the Multibank, Young Carers, Youth Employment, mental health support, and youth work, The Junction delivers holistic, family-focused interventions that address inequalities in some of Middlesbrough’s most affected wards.

Find out more about The Junction

About the Youth Investment Fund 
The Youth Investment Fund forms part of the Government’s ‘National Youth Guarantee’ to ensure every young person across England will have access to regular out of school activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer. The Youth Investment Fund, of over £300 million, is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Social Investment Business in partnership with National Youth Agency, Resonance, and the Key Fund.  

The Youth Investment Fund has been developed to create, expand, and improve local youth facilities and their services in the out of school youth sector, to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, and skills for life and work.  

The Youth Investment Fund will fund the building or renovation of 300 youth services and will increase the number of regular positive activities undertaken by young people in the targeted areas by 45,000 per year, by 2026/27.  

To learn more, visit www.youthinvestmentfund.org.uk