Peacehaven’s JOFF Youth Hub Reopens After £2m Refurbishment

A newly refurbished youth hub has officially reopened in Peacehaven following a multi-million-pound makeover.

The JOFF youth hub has undergone a £2.1m transformation, funded by the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, with building works starting in April last year.

Improvements include a new lift to make the building fully accessible, a fitness suite, art and music rooms, a dance studio, meeting space and a new kitchen and coffee bar.

Gym equipment was also donated by contractor Morgan Sindall Construction.

Young people were involved in shaping the design from the start, working with East Sussex County Council’s youth team to decide how the hub should look and feel.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cllr Bob Bowdler, the county council’s lead member for children and families, said he was “absolutely delighted” to see the facility given new life:

“This building has always been a youth centre since it was built in the 1960s, and it has been enjoyed by young people across the generations.

"Local young people will now be able to continue to benefit from the newly refurbished hub, which will be a key space for positive activities and support services in the area.”

The reopening was also attended by Peacehaven’s mayor Debbie Donovan and the High Sheriff of East Sussex Annie Brown.

The hub runs a wide range of activities, including groups for young women and young men, LGBTQ+ youth sessions, Friday Juniors (ages 8–12) and the Friday Night Project (ages 13–19). SEND Saturdays also take place fortnightly for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

More details on sessions at the JOFF can be found via the East Sussex Community Information Service.