COLOURFUL artwork created by young people is now brightening up the building site of Jersey’s future Ann Street Youth Centre.
The giant graffiti-style panels show what local children and teenagers hope the new centre will be like when it opens in 2028.
The six art panels have been put up on the fence around the construction site by building company Dandara.
They feature designs made by pupils and young people from schools and youth projects across the Island, including Grainville School, d’Auvergne Primary School, Mont à l’Abbé School, Springfield Primary School and several youth organisations.
Each artwork celebrates ideas that matter to young people. The designs include themes such as friendship, creativity, sport, music, wellbeing, inclusion and belonging. Inclusion means making sure everyone feels welcome and able to take part, no matter who they are.
The artwork is just one way young people have been helping to shape the new centre. Through the Ann Street Youth Ambassador programme, they have been sharing ideas about what they would like to see inside the building.
One of the youth ambassadors Elliott recently joined youth worker Ted Pafitis at Jersey Children’s Day to ask other young people and their families for their thoughts.
Together, they spoke to 64 young people from Year 4 to Year 12, as well as 39 parents and other adults, collecting ideas and feedback.
Some of the most popular suggestions included places to relax with friends, areas for creative activities, gaming spaces and places where young people could get support and feel welcome.
The Ann Street Youth Centre is due to open in 2028. It is being designed as a modern space where young people can meet friends, learn new skills, take part in activities and find support if they need it.
The people behind the project say they will keep listening to young people throughout the building process.
They hope the finished youth centre will reflect the interests, ideas and ambitions of Jersey’s next generation.
