To coincide with National Welsh Music Day, Eastmoors Youth Centre in Splott has unveiled a state-of-the-art recording studio, breathing new life into a cherished community hub and offering young people a launchpad for creativity, skills and hope.
The £60,000 project has been delivered by Morgan Sindall in partnership with Cardiff Youth Service, Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and Dulux and is part of the Community Wellbeing Benefits associated with the construction of Willows High. It highlights the building contractors ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful social value alongside its core construction work.
The studio has been transformed into a modern facility, symbolising what’s possible when businesses, charities, and communities unite. Young people have been directly involved in rebuilding and redesigning the space, gaining a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
Over the course of the project, 20 students have gained City & Guilds qualifications in carpentry, joinery, painting, decorating, and health & safety, supported by VIY mentors and Morgan Sindall staff who donated 62 volunteer hours.
It has been supported by initiatives including training and recruitment, supply chain partnerships, educational and cultural projects, and environmental efforts, all designed to benefit the local community.
For VIY learner Elliot Perkins, the project was transformative. “I went through a lot of struggles with different colleges and courses, never really found my thing. Spent about a year just doing nothing. And then I came here. Now I feel like I’ve found what I want to do in life,” Elliot shared. Inspired by his experience, Elliot now plans to pursue a career in carpentry.
Cardiff’s Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury said: “The official opening of the music studio marks an exciting new chapter for Eastmoors Youth Centre and stands as a testament to the power of partnership working and the potential of Cardiff’s youth.
“For many young people, the provision provides a safe space where they can seek advice and support from our youth workers as well as accessing a range of opportunities which they may not usually have.
“In addition, the hands-on experience and mentoring they have gained during the development of the space, has opened doors, inspiring many to explore possible career pathways for a future where they will thrive.”
Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Wales, said: “Opening this recording studio at Eastmoors Youth Centre is all about creating opportunities and unlocking potential for young people in Splott.
“We’re immensely proud that this £60,000 project, delivered as part of the Community Wellbeing Benefits, has enabled students to gain City & Guilds qualifications whilst transforming this space into a modern facility.
“The 62 volunteer hours our staff contributed alongside VIY mentors has been time exceptionally well spent. Projects like this demonstrate why community wellbeing sits at the heart of everything we do – when young people discover their passion and find their path, that’s real social value in action.”
Tom Hague, Regional Lead, South Wales, VIY said: “Creating opportunities like this for young people is essential and we encourage those who are out of education or employment to get involved in hands-on, community-based projects that help ignite their potential. That’s the power of VIY and our unique win-win model, bringing together cross-sector partners to support projects like Eastmoors Youth Centre which in turn benefit young people and the wider community. It’s work we must continue if we want to help young people move towards positive, purposeful futures.”
…
Love music? Live in Wales?
Check out www.musiclifemag.co.uk
…
