A new youth zone will open in Stratford later this year replacing the Stratford Circus Arts Centre next to the Theatre Royal.

In partnership with local voluntary organisations, Newham Council has already launched four dedicated youth hubs – East Ham, North Woolwich, Silvertown and Plaistow – and Stratford is next on the list.

Alongside an increased programme for young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the whole Borough, Stratford Youth Zone will offer support with school work, career advice and health and wellbeing.

To allow young people to develop their creative skills, it will also offer activities in art, music, dancing and drama and will provide a space for emerging young artists, from 18 to 30.

Applications will open in the summer. Follow their Instagram page for updates.

Former occupants of the building for the past nine years, Stratford Circus Arts Centre, is reinventing itself.

Lucy Atkinson, CEO, said: “We are not looking for a new home. I love theatres but there are people in the Borough who never visited Stratford Circus. This new phase is an opportunity to reach out to these people.”

The centre is making an artist call out for a project sponsored by Arts Council England, part of a £5 million fund announced by the government in December to tackle loneliness.

This project might result in a show or an activity where older people learn a new skill. A space might be rented if needed.

Atkinson said: “It’s too early to reveal details, but we are planning outdoors activities for the summer. We will platform the work of local artists and connect with our community.”

The Centre is aiming to make its return official later this spring and will release a statement to announce future plans. “We are rebuilding our organisation and refining what our mission is”, said Atkinson.

In the meantime, they want to hear from local artists and creatives about their plans, and how they can work with local communities.

Atkinson said: “It’s no longer about people coming to our building. Now we are in a matchmaking process. Are there any artists that we don’t know about and would like to meet us? Contact: email@stratford-circus.com”

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