'The Mix' in Ipswich Street, Stowmarket has moved a step closer as formal plans for the £4.75m youth centre were submitted on 16 April 2010.

The Mix will be a multi-purpose youth facility where young people aged 13 and 19 (up to 25 with additional needs) can experience positive recreational activities in a safe environment, and access independent advice and guidance from various specialists.

The strength of the Mix is the fact that it has been designed by local young people through consultation with the wider youth population in and around Stowmarket. The Stowmarket community board consultation which took place in June 2009 identified “more places to go, things to do for teenagers” as one of the three key priorities for the area. As the Mix continues to develop, young people will remain involved in the project in terms of the building design and how the facility will operate. A dedicated youth participation worker has been employed to manage the young person’s engagement throughout the duration of the project. Local residents and community groups will also be consulted and kept informed of developments. A housing unit will provide suitable short-term emergency accommodation, with specialist support and housing advice staff living on site 24/7, working with the young residents to either return home, or move into age-appropriate supported housing.