AN organisation providing supportive spaces for young people could soon upgrading its operation as it hopes to create a new youth and community hub in Launceston.

Since 2009, Oriel Ministries has been working to provide community spaces for young people across the North Cornwall area. The independent Christian charity carries out events for young people, teaching about faith while also providing a safe and social space for the region’s youth to enjoy.

The organisation has argued that its work has become increasingly important over the years, due, in a large part, to ‘the rise of media, gaming and the online presence of this generation’.

However, now the charity is hoping that its work can continue to grow following the submission of a pre-application for the change of the former Truscotts car dealership in Launceston.

At the start of the year it was announced that the historic dealership was set to close its doors after more than 50 years of trading in the town, however, the site could soon become a hive of activity for the town’s young people.

Prospective plans submitted as part of the pre-application (PA26/00601/PREAPP), would see the space completely transformed, with the installation a climbing wall, skate and scooter ramps, flexible indoor sports and arts hall area, music and creative facilities, including a music studio, outdoor sports provision, including a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a café, open to users of the facility and members of the general public, children’s play area, available for public use, and associated landscaping, lighting and parking improvements.

The charity says that it is ‘passionate about giving back to young people and providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where they can feel valued, supported, and encouraged.’

Planning documents explain that plans would see the development largely reuse the existing building, but would also necessitate significant refurbishment, and with ‘internal and external alterations, designed to improve appearance, accessibility, security and functionality, of the site, to achieve a flagship youth-focussed community hub.’

While a pre-application serves as an enquiry to seek the council’s views on a proposal, rather than a full application, suggestions as to how the development could be best navigated will be provided.

Speaking to the Post about the plans, co-founder of Oriel Ministries, Chris Uglow says he hopes to ‘create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space.’

He explained: “Oriel Ministries has submitted a pre-application enquiry to Cornwall Council as part of the early exploration of a potential new youth and community hub in Launceston. This is not a full planning application at this stage, and the project remains subject to planning, funding, professional advice and further discussions.

“As a Christian charity that has served young people and families across North Cornwall for 16 years, our heart is to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive space that brings hope, support and positive opportunities to children, young people and families. We are excited about the possibilities, but we are still at an early stage and will share more as things develop.”