A youth centre affectionately dubbed ‘The Boyzee’ that was on the brink of its 60th anniversary has closed and is now facing demolition to pave the way for new ‘low-carbon homes’.
The OASIS Centre for Young People in Ellesmere Port shut over the summer and Cheshire West and Chester Council has now lodged a planning application to bulldoze the centre.
The authority last year secured more than £13m from the Government’s ‘levelling up’ fund to support its vision for transforming part of the town, which includes low-carbon housing, an invigorated market, and a safe cycle and pedestrian route promoting ‘active travel’.
Additionally, the former EPIC Leisure Centre and Crazy Town soft play centre are earmarked for construction of homes aimed at first-time buyers and families. The council’s application articulated a clear objective: “The site presents an opportunity for new investment in the area and forms part of the Levelling Up Fund project for Ellesmere Port Town Centre.”
The statement continued, detailing post-demolition plans: “Once the redundant building has been demolished the site will be cleared and fencing will be placed around the boundary. We will work with developers to build new first-time buyer or family homes (low-carbon homes).”
The OASIS Centre for Young People, located on Coronation Road, has a rich history dating back to November 30, 1965, when its foundation stone was laid by Lord Leverhulme under the patronage of Viscount Alhorp MVO, who was then chairman of the National Association of Boys Clubs. Originally serving as the home of Ellesmere Port Boys Club (The Boyzee), it underwent a significant transformation in 1992 when it began including females and rebranded as the OASIS Centre for Young People, reports Cheshire Live.
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