A new youth centre is a step closer after the old building was demolished.

Heathfield Youth Hub has been knocked down to make room for a new two-storey centre on the same site.

The building in High Street, Heathfield, aims to be accessible and energy efficient and "to serve the needs of the community for future generations".

The scheme is part of a £7 million upgrade of youth centres in East Sussex financed by the government’s Youth Investment Fund.

East Sussex county councillor Bob Bowdler, lead member for children and families, said: “This project will breathe new life into youth services in Heathfield and it’s great to see it moving forward. 

“The original Heathfield youth centre was built in the 1950s and has been added to over the years. As a result, it’s not particularly functional and limits the great work that our youth workers can do.

“The new state-of-the-art youth hub will enable us to offer a wide range of positive activities and support services for young people after school, in the evenings and at the weekends, helping young people build confidence and steering them away from antisocial behaviour."

The centre will have youth provision, family activities and community spaces.

Building work will start this summer and it is expected to be completed by spring 2025.