A Cardiff city centre youth project is preparing to bloom following a major overhaul of its facilities.
The transformation of Grassroots Cardiff, the Charles Street-based registered charity and youth provision, is due for completion next month.
Phase 2 of the refurbishment of the building has included adaptations to make the venue wheelchair friendly, the creation of street level access to a lively new coffee bar and social area, a youth-specific advice department and toilets for people with disabilities. Phase 1 of the upgrade was completed in October 2008, coinciding with the renewal of Grassroots’ 25-year lease on the building.
The new development at Grassroots, which has welcomed tens of thousands of young people through its doors in its 30-year history, will enhance the provision available for young people in the city centre. The project has a 250-strong membership aged between 16 and 25 and aims to instil optimism, self-awareness and self-confidence in young people who often see themselves in a negative light.
As well as serving tasty snacks, the new coffee bar and social area will offer young people the opportunity to learn about healthy cooking on a low budget and other basic skills. Regular workshops will be held on youth issues and videos will be shown by local film-makers. The area will also feature a performance stage for young bands, artists, poets and stand-ups who want to try out their material on a smaller audience. Free internet access will also be available.
The advice department will provide a free drop-in service which is youth specific. The project aims to listen to young people’s problems and then help solve them together.
Grassroots’ workshops are now located on the first floor of the building where the relocated music department will be bigger and better with a custom-designed recording studio, new equipment and a drum booth. The department, which has helped kick-start the careers of some of Wales’ best bands including Catatonia and the Stereophonics, can offer advice on marketing skills to young musicians about how to promote their work through local radio and media. Music technology courses will also take place as well as regular gigs in the Grassroots coffee bar.
The Digital Arts Department offers training in a wide spectrum of digitally-produced art from film and video, graphic design, photography, creative writing and publication.
The building also boasts a bright gallery space to house anything from an art exhibition to craft tuition or a street dance workshop. This space is available for use by other youth interest groups in Cardiff.
The refurbishment has been funded by Cardiff Youth Service, the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Council’s Community Buildings Fund and the Grassroots’ Charity.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway said: “Grassroots is an excellent facility in the city centre that provides young people with a safe area to meet and spend time with their friends. The venue provides free music and entertainment to the young people as well as advice, training opportunities and experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
“The upgrade of the building will be real boost for the young people who use the centre.”
For further information on Grassroots Cardiff visit www.grassrootscardiff.com or contact manager Dan Wilson (Tel: 029 2023 1700 or e-mail: [email protected])
