Hibs boss reopens citadel

Refurbished youth centre is 'magnificent'

Hibs manager John Hughes officially opened the doors of the Citadel Youth Centre in Leith following a major transformation.

The youth centre brings a wide range of sporting and creative opportunities to local youngsters and, through the years, has been used by many generations.

For John, the youth centre holds special memories – he attended it as a teenager and his mother worked there as a volunteer.

“I think the recent refurbishment of the Citadel Youth Centre in Leith is magnificent for the community,” he said.

“The staff and volunteers do a fantastic job there providing a safe and inspiring environment for all the young people who attend. I’m delighted to help relaunch the centre.

“When I was a young lad I used to attend the youth clubs so I understand first hand how important the Citadel is to the community of Leith.

“I wish everyone great success for the future.”

Once Leith’s railway station, the B-listed building has operated as a youth facility for 30 years.

The £830,000 refurbishment took one year to complete, reworking and repairing the outside of the building while modernising the inside, with new art, drama and social space.

The work was funded by the Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, the Communities Regeneration Fund and Youth Link Scotland.

It is the first of six buildings which will be restored as part of the Leith Townscape Heritage Initiative, which will spend £9 million on regenerating the area socially, environmentally and economically.

Come along to the Leith Neighbourhood Partnership Celebrating Young Leithers at the Citadel on 9 December at 5.30pm.

Contact Loraine Duckworth on 0131 529 5269 for more information.