A new community and youth centre for Thame – a vision taking shape
Thame has always been a town that values people — connection, care and community spirit are woven into everyday life here. With that in mind, Thame Town Council is developing plans for a new Community & Youth Centre, a shared space designed to support residents of all ages, now and into the future.
We have some fantastic groups supporting people of all ages in Thame but most borrow and use space that doesn’t always fit their needs. Having a space that can be used by all and improve accessibility to community events is going to be a big win.
While the centre does not yet physically exist (it will be based at Southern Road Recreation Ground), the vision behind it is already clear: to create a welcoming, inclusive place where young people feel supported, community groups can thrive, and local residents have somewhere to come together.
The proposed Community & Youth Centre is intended to be more than a building. At its heart is the idea of creating a safe, flexible and accessible space that reflects the real needs of Thame’s residents — especially our young people.
Plans centre around:
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A welcoming environment where young people can feel safe, respected and heard
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Space for youth activities that support wellbeing, confidence and life skills
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Rooms and facilities that local groups and organisations can use and share
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A hub that encourages connection across generations
It’s about creating somewhere that grows with the community, adapting as needs change.
Youth provision is a key part of the vision. As many families know, having a safe, supportive place for young people to go outside of school can make a huge difference — not just socially, but emotionally and mentally too.
The intention is for the centre to offer structured activities alongside informal space, giving young people somewhere they belong. A place where friendships form, confidence grows, and support is available when it’s needed.
Alongside youth provision, the centre is envisioned as a shared community asset. A place where clubs, groups, classes and initiatives can take place — helping to reduce isolation and strengthen the sense of togetherness that makes Thame what it is.
In a town with a growing and diverse population, having a dedicated community space helps ensure no one is left on the edges.
A shared vision
Importantly, this project is rooted in listening. The Community & Youth Centre is being shaped with the understanding that it should reflect the voices, needs and values of local people.
As plans continue to develop, there will be opportunities for residents to stay informed, get involved, and help shape how the centre comes to life.
Community spaces like this don’t just appear — they’re built with care, patience and collective support. And when they’re done well, their impact can be felt for decades.
Thame has a strong sense of heart and belonging. This future Community & Youth Centre aims to be a place where that spirit has room to grow 💚
Can You Help Financially or Otherwise?
The Thame Community and Youth Centre will have far reaching benefits for the people of Thame – all of the people of Thame. We are especially excited about the opportunities it will afford the future youth of our community.
For this project to proceed, we need to raise £4.4 million. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t know, if you don’t ask’, so we are asking, can you help? If you can assist financially, or otherwise, we would love to hear from you.
More information
Lots of information and further links can be found on the Thame Town Council Website here.
Further details of public consultation can be found within the Evidence Needs Assessment at https://www.thametowncouncil.gov.uk/communityandyouthcentre/.
