Cabinet considers funding boost for Minehead EYE

PLANS for Minehead EYE - a place young people in West Somerset can call their own - could take a step forward next week.
West Somerset Council’s cabinet is meeting to look at agreeing a partnership deal which would be worth nearly £250,000 to the project.
The new multi-million pounds facility will be aimed at youngsters aged 13 to19 years and will feature a two-storey skate and BMX park with a viewing gallery overlooking the 6,000 sq ft facility.
It will also have a recording studio and DJ booth, a multi-media suite with rehearsal space, a computer area, an exhibition area with an art-graffiti wall, a café, and a shop.
A report being put to cabinet members on Wednesday, April 8, proposes removing a requirement for capital receipts to be received prior to funding the project.
It also recommends the cabinet to hand over the balance of a grant for the project amounting to more than £239,000.
The council has already given Minehead EYE more than £6,000 funding.
The concept of Minehead EYE originated about 10 years ago but was recently fast-tracked through the Government’s myplace programme and last year secured more than £3.2 million of Big Lottery funding.
It is one of 21 projects awarded funding to provide world-class facilities across England which work to create safe places for young people to go, where they can become involved in a wide range of exciting activities and obtain information and advice from people they trust.

• Our image shows an artist's impression of how the Minehead EYE could look. Image submitted.