Following approval by the South Downs National Park for the redevelopment of North Street and the Phoenix Estate in Lewes to build 416 homes, three much-loved youth venues are looking for new homes.

The indoor Skatehouse, Dance Academy and Starfish Music are used by hundreds of young people every week from Lewes and surrounding towns and villages. Supported by highly-trained staff, youngsters can learn new skills, make new friends, work on their own projects and always have a safe and welcoming place to go. Now all three face eviction.

Phoenix Rising Youth – exploring relocation

Phoenix Rising Youth has been set up to help the three community interest companies (CICs) find new premises. Relocation is most urgent for Skatehouse, which will lose its premises this May (Dance Academy and Starfish Music are located in phase 2 of the North Street development and so have a little more time).Short term and long-term ideas are being explored to keep the three venues in Lewes, including a crowdfunding initiative to finance Skatehouse’s relocation, refurbishment and rental of temporary premises until a permanent affordable location can be found. But ideas for available long-term premises – whether for Skatehouse, Dance Academy or Starfish – are always welcome.

Can you help?
If you have ideas for relocating any of these venues or would like to join the Phoenix Rising Youth mailing list to be kept informed of developments, please email Juliet Oxborrow on oxborrow1@aol.com

You can also like the Phoenix Rising Youth Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/464260190445258/?active_tab=posts