Young people in Merton have taken part in celebrations for the opening of the refurbished Phipps Bridge Youth Centre.

An increased range of activities and programmes will now be held in Mitcham.

A music suite has been built, as well as an art and crafts room, photography room and a new kitchen. Access to the centre has been improved with the addition of a lift.

Other facilities such as the games area, fitness suite and computer room have been upgraded.

The refurbishment of Phipps Bridge Youth Centre is part of a much larger investment in services for young people. It is the third youth centre to have undergone extensive building works over the summer.

Cabinet member for School Standards and Youth Engagement, Councillor Oonagh Moulton, says: “Merton Council is commited to ensuring young people in the borough have access to services that meet their needs. The new facilities are state of the art and the courses offered at the centre will give young people the chance to learn valuable new skills and gain accredited outcomes.”