Work has officially started to create a five‑storey youth centre on the former Ann Street Brewery site – which is due to include a rooftop kick pitch, large climbing wall, dance studio, boxing gym and a health and beauty room.
The facility has been designed with direct input from young islanders, with the development due to be delivered in phases.
The Youth Enquiry Service is scheduled to move into a standalone building at the site in January 2027, with the full youth centre due to open in summer 2028.
Jersey Youth Service will host a pop-up event at the Millennium Town Park on Friday 10 April, offering islanders the opportunity to learn more about the project.
Mark Capern, associate director of children and young people, announced plans to recruit ‘Youth Ambassadors’ to help guide the next stage of the design.
“The voices of young people have already helped get us to where we are today and we’re not done yet,” he said.
“This new centre is being shaped around what they have asked for, ensuring it becomes a space where all young people can feel welcome, supported, and inspired.”
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert said the development responds directly to feedback from young people.
“We are listening to children and young people, who have told us clearly that having more places to play, more free clubs and activities, and more options for older children really matters to them,” he said. “Their comments and feedback are important, valued and taken seriously.”
Constable Vibert highlighted that more than 1,600 young people live within walking distance of the site, and noted that 71% of St Helier residents live in flats.
“This facility will offer safe indoor and outdoor space to play, connect, grow, and feel supported,” he added.
Development work over the past two years has involved collaboration between Jersey Youth Service, Jersey Property Holdings, Axis Mason and main developer Dandara, which began construction on site in January 2026.
Dandara Jersey managing director Alex McEwan described the project as “one of the most exciting and inspiring” the company has undertaken.
“We’re pleased to commence construction on this heritage site, which has played such an important role in Jersey’s history over the past 150 years,” he said.
“It is a real privilege to deliver a youth centre shaped by the vision and input of the young people who will be using it.”