Drug den pub becomes youth centre

The notrious Westfield's Golden keys pubs’ transformation into a state-of-the-art youth centre is soon to be unveiled.

Sheffield City Council has spent £452,000 on the purchase and conversion of the last pub on the estate. The money, from the government's Youth Capital Fund, forms part of the council's regeneration plans for the Westfield area with the teenagers involved being the main driving force behind the project.

Lib Dem Cllr Gail Smith said: “I believe that the Com.Unity project will be something the city can be proud of and hopefully we can roll the project out in other areas of the city. Pubs are often in the heart of the community, therefore make good community centres.”

The pub closed in March 2009 after complaints about drug dealing. Local resident Tony Downing over-heard other residents saying “Kids around here will soon wreck it.” Patrick Meleady, Positive Activities Manager at Sheffield City Council, admits that the centre was broken into in the first few days but since then they have received “lots of support”.

The centre opens it’s doors on the 26^th March, 12.30pm – 3.30pm with a VIP night on the 16^th. In September it will also become a resource centre for the rest of the community. Some of the centre’s facilities include an internet cafe, dance studio, gym, chill out space and music suite. Mr Meleady said: “It will be the best facility in Sheffield. I’m confident about that. It’s a very exciting project.”

Fact Box

The pub closed in 2009 due to reports of drug dealing.

In 2011 it opened as a youth and community centre as part of the council’s regeneration plan for the area.

By Leanne Bolan