Over £700,000 of funding approved for new community and youth centre in Thame
Published 10 November 2025
Exciting news for people of South Oxfordshire this month with £779,246 of funding approved as a contribution towards the building of a new Community and Youth Centre at Southern Road Recreation Ground in Thame.
Thame Town Council is set to receive funding from South Oxfordshire District Council to create a modern, welcoming facility for residents to enjoy, helping improve emotional and mental wellbeing.
With the funding agreed, Thame Town Council can now move forward with plans to demolish the disused changing block and build a new community and youth centre.
The new facility will provide young people with a safe space for their own use with support from youth workers, and where people of all ages can organise and join activities, and meet others.
The building will include flexible and rentable spaces including a new 200-capacity community hall for events, lectures, conferences, health and wellbeing, fitness and arts activities, a music room, kitchen, and a dedicated youth club, and small group and one to one consultation space.
It will also offer EV charging, bike racks, and improved access to green space. There will be a refreshed play area, accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities, seating, and an income-generating kiosk.
The project will provide a permanent home for the Thame Youth Project Group and will help reduce anti-social behaviour in the area, improve wellbeing, and offer new opportunities and skills for local people in the community.
The new funding for the project comes from Section 106 – this is the funding the council collects from housing developers to support the growth of the district when new developments are built.
Cllr David Rouane, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “I’m so pleased this project can move forward. This new facility will help meet the needs of Thame’s growing community by creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. The new centre will bring people together for many years to come – offering a place where residents of all ages can meet, take part in activities and access support. It will also play a vital role in reducing anti-social behaviour, tackling loneliness, and improving the overall wellbeing of our community.”
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, ward member for Thame, said: “The new Community and Youth Centre will be a vibrant, inclusive space that reflects the spirit and needs of our town. It represents an investment in our young people, supports families, and creates a place where everyone feels they belong.”
Mandy Sturdy, Clerk to Thame Town Council, said: “Approval of this funding by South Oxfordshire District Council is the first crucial step towards securing full funding for the new community and youth centre building. The building is a long-term aspiration for Thame, and will provide a much-needed dedicated space for Thame’s young people as well as a large, multi-functional community space. It will also act as a hub where generations can meet, bridging gaps between youth, parents, and older residents, tackling loneliness, which affects nearly a quarter of adults locally. The Town Council is grateful for the support of South Oxfordshire District Council on this important and exciting project for Thame’s community.”
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