History of Waterside Centre
Built in the 1960s, Waterside Centre was part of a national response to the Arbermale committee’s report into youth work and the engagement with young people outside of school activities and holiday programmes. The government of the time engaged in a massive build campaign to provide young people with a place to go and things to do.
Waterside Centre sits on the site of an old Baptist church complete with graveyard, which had to be de-sanctified and relocated for the investment in a riverside town centre location for young people.
The Waterside has been a focal point for Newbury since its build and has enjoyed a presence in the lives of many young people, including as a destination for date nights. Today, many passers-by tell us how they met their partner at the Waterside or enjoyed the outdoor sports and trips; camping, climbing and canoeing. The centre was always well-known for its outdoor sports, the music nights, battle of the bands and exchanges with Newbury twin towns. Above all, the Waterside was a place for young people.
Find out more about the history of Waterside Centre and our vision for its future.
Berkshire Youth and Youth Work
We believe that every young person should have access to opportunities to develop skills and raise their aspirations. With local authority funding greatly reduced and activities for young people being lost as a direct result, it is more important than ever to invest in personal development opportunities for young people.
Young people need a variety of opportunities both inside and outside of education to have fun with their friends, to be healthy and creative, to make positive changes in their community and to develop their skills and aspirations.
Berkshire Youth are pleased to be able offer a variety of affordable and engaging programmes for both youth workers and young people.
For further information about Berkshire Youth and our work across the county, please visit the Berkshire Youth website.
