Youth centres have been the heart and soul of many generations of Brummies, with organised youth groups beginning in the early 20th century. In Birmingham, there has been a decline in youth facilities over the last few decades as centres have closed, leaving young people without access to vital services.
Today, Birmingham City Council operates council-run youth services from 13 youth centres across the city, with a fourteenth due to open as part of a government initiative in August 2026.
Operational Youth Hubs in Birmingham
- Concord Youth Centre, Sparkbrook
- E R Mason Youth Centre, Attwood Green
- Lozells Recreation Group, Lozells
- Shard End Youth Centre, Shard End
- The Factory, Longbridge
- The Lighthouse, Aston
BirminghamLive understands that district youth teams are based at four of the council's youth centres—Concord, The Factory, The Lighthouse, and Shard End—who are also responsible for delivering services at local centres across Birmingham.
Two youth work sessions per week are currently delivered at the following sites:
- Clifton Road Youth Centre, Sutton Coldfield
- Maypole Centre, Maypole
- Naseby Centre, Alum Rock
- Small Heath Youth Centre, Small Heath
- Soho Youth Projects, Winson Green
- The Vibe, South Yardley
- Three Estate Youth Work Project Shop, Kings Norton
It is understood there are plans to transfer the Naseby Centre and Clifton Road Youth Centre buildings to a third-sector organisation, which will deliver additional services alongside existing Youth Service sessions.
Oakland's Young People's Centre in Handsworth is part of the Hamilton School redevelopment and therefore is not currently operational as a youth centre, it is understood.
The Youth Service is continuing to deliver outreach youth work on Soho Road on Fridays.
Kitts Green's The Pump youth facility is also operational but is now run by The Pump Trust, a charity at the heart of East Birmingham focusing on supporting the development of all young people.
New Young Futures Hub
A new Young Futures Hub will open on Cannon Street in August 2026 as part of a government-wide initiative. Currently, the new facility, dedicated to providing services across mental health and wellbeing, employment, and crime prevention, is open at the Library of Birmingham but will be moving very soon.
Do you have any fond memories from visiting youth centres in Birmingham you would like to share? If so, get in touch on hannah.ahmed@reachplc.com.
