4YP’s New Youth Hub made possible with £1.14m Fund
Ipswich Borough Council, acting as the lead authority and accountable body for the Towns Fund, is pleased to announce its support for local charity, 4YP (For Children and Young People), with a relocation and expansion project which will establish a new youth centre at Regatta Quay on Ipswich Waterfront. The project has been awarded £1,146,258 from the Towns Fund, marking a major investment in young people’s mental health, wellbeing and opportunities in Ipswich.
The funding will allow 4YP to move from its current Grade II listed premises, which is no longer fit for purpose, into a modern, purpose-designed space. The new centre will provide a safe, welcoming environment for young people, offering expanded services, extended opening hours and a one-stop hub for support in the town centre.
Established in 2000, 4YP is a trusted charity that supports the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and young adults, aged 7 to 25 across Suffolk, through its counselling and youth work services.
David Ralph, Chair of the Ipswich Vision Board, said:
“Supporting young people is central to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Ipswich. The new 4YP Youth Hub is a fantastic example of how Town Deals investment can create real, lasting impact – not just through bricks and mortar, but by providing vital support, opportunity, and inspiration for the next generation. This project reflects our shared ambition to make Ipswich a place where every young person can thrive.”
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader for Ipswich Borough Council, added:
“This investment in 4YP is an investment in Ipswich’s future. By creating a dedicated, modern space for young people to access support, opportunities, and build confidence, we are ensuring that Ipswich remains a town that prioritises the wellbeing of its younger generations. We are proud to support this vital project.”
Rebekah Warnock, 4YP CEO, said:
“Being awarded the Towns Deal funding is both an exciting and vital step forward in ensuring that young people in Ipswich have a dedicated space where they can access support and guidance, build friendships and feel a true sense of belonging within a community that values them. Our vision has always been that all young people have somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to connect with. The new funding will allow us to expand our services, reach more young people and create a truly welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.”
The latest designs for the interior of the Ipswich Waterfront property are the result of a youth-led initiative, with young people at the heart of every stage of the project’s development. A powerful example of youth social action, youngsters have worked closely with world-renowned architects, Make, to design interiors that reflect the needs, dreams and ambitions of the next generation.
Work on the new 4YP youth hub will commence following final approvals – with Ipswich Borough Council closely monitoring the project’s progress – and hopes to open in Spring 2026.
