Plans to provide a venue for young people must be in the city centre, young people have said. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Children and Young People's Services Advisory Panel on Thursday, where a number of young people, as well as the Children and Young People's Champion made representations on a possible location for the venue.

Labour's Children and Young People's Services spokesperson, Coun. Dave Merrett said:

"The Government's MyPlace scheme offers the city's young people a tremendously exciting opportunity to obtain a world class youth facility in York. It would fill a major gap in local provision and the city centre is obviously the most accessible location to put it and where young people want to see it. The timescale is now very short, and the council and its potential partners need to continue their work and pull out all the stops to deliver the bid".

The city's Children and Young People's Champion, Coun. James Alexander said:

"The young people who attended the meeting sent a very strong message that they want the venue in a central location. They feel equality of access from a public transport point of view is very important.

"In terms of what they would like to see the venue used for, they listed various events and activities such as sport, drama and gigs, and would like to see a chill out area, café, PCs and games, internet access, advice as well as some outdoor space. I was tremendously impressed with their contributions, and I hope this vision becomes a reality as it is long overdue.

"I think the Government has recognised that young people need decent leisure provision, and I'm happy to welcome its contribution to achieving this".