A NEWLY-revamped ‘youth zone’ is set to be offiicially opened in just under a fortnight’s time in Rossendale.

Work costing £530,000 is now complete on a comprehensive overhaul of the Old Fire Station, in Burnley Road, Rawtenstall, which will acts a ‘hub’ for valley youngsters.

County council chairman Coun Michael Devaney and youth cabinet member Coun Matthew Tomlinson will perform the official reopening of the venue on Friday, February 7.

Young users will then give a presentation on what the new facilities mean to them before Coun Devaney cuts a ceremonial ribbon and guests tour the new centre.

State-of-the-art music and recording facilities and a coffee bar have been installed, alongside a ‘cyber cafe’ with a full computer suite, a large meeting area and a drama and dance space.

More than 20 staff were said to have been earmarked for the centre – which will now be the main focus for teenagers in the valley.

An external multi-use play area will be completed by the end of the summer, and smaller meeting rooms for one-to-one sessions and an activity room have also been created.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “The children and young people’s service has been using this centre for many years and its central location in the district’s principal town made it the obvious choice for use as a youth zone.”

The service will continue to use Bacup’s KG Cafe, in King Street, as a satellite venue.

Work is continuing on other youth zones in Whittam Street, Burnley, and Paradise Street, Accrington, as part of a wider youth zone programme.