Empty building to be transformed to help youths in one of England's most deprived areas

An empty building in a neighbourhood miles away from the nearest youth club is to be transformed into a young persons' centre. Acorn House, on Back Deane Church Lane in Deane, Bolton, has been approved by Bolton Council to become a 'Be The Change' centre.

The project was founded in 2015 by Daniel Sukula, who has been a leader in youth development in Bolton since 2015. Be The Change say their work includes sports and arts programmes, knife crime prevention workshops and mentoring activity.

An planning officer report, published prior to the approval, said: "The application site has been chosen as it is in Bolton South East, which is ranked in the top 10 per cent most deprived areas in England. The area has high levels of deprivation, and young people come from families where there is often severe poverty, and stress caused by unemployment, mental and physical ill health.

"The area contains no other service specifically intended to engage with young people. "The closest youth club is the Bolton Lads & Girls Club which is at least two miles away.

READ MORE: Met Office issues yellow weather warning over 'dense fog' in Greater Manchester

READ MORE: Tragic house fire that killed mum and left teen daughter fighting for life started by candle, inquest hears

The proposed use is capable of making a significant and positive contribution to the community provision available in the south of Bolton. The report said the youth centre would employ two full time employees and five part time employees.

Five parking spaces will be provided. The centre will have opening of 9am -9pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 9pm on Saturday, Sundays and bank holidays.

The Be The Change website states that the organisation has worked with GMP to deliver