The opening comes amid criticism of Croydon Council’s recent decision to cut its youth engagement team, a move the council describes as part of a broader “transformation” of youth services.
On Monday (October 13), Oasis Academy Arena in South Norwood officially unveiled the Oasis Community Space, a new facility designed to support young people and families across the borough. Local residents, pupils and community leaders attended the launch event, exploring the transformed venue, which will host youth programmes and family services in partnership with Palace for Life Foundation and Reaching Higher.
When the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the hub, the space was alive with activity. Oasis students played table tennis, socialised, and took part in informal mentoring sessions with teachers and local community organisations. There was also a performance from the Oasis Academy Ryelands choir.
Sydney Mae Box-Cameron, whose son uses the hub, told the LDRS: “This gives kids a safe space where they can have fun and aren’t forced to go. The people here are great influences.”
The LDRS also spoke with Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East, who said: “It’s amazing to have this wonderful community facility on our doorstep, not just for the community, but specifically for our young people.”
She continued: “Having a partner like Oasis, which has a massive footprint in our borough, makes a big difference.”
Reverend Steve Chalke OBE, founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, and Mike Summers, CEO of Palace for Life Foundation, also addressed the audience. Revd Chalke stressed the importance of trusted community spaces: “Our children spend less than 20% of their waking hours in school. That’s why safe spaces, run by trusted partners and rooted in their communities, are so important.”
Mr Summers highlighted the power of collaboration: “By working together, we can help young people, particularly those from the toughest backgrounds, build brighter futures.”
Former Crystal Palace player Sean Scannell, who cut the ribbon to mark the hub’s opening, reflected on his own youth: “When I was growing up, we didn’t have many youth clubs, so you sometimes had to travel far. For this to be right in the centre of South Norwood is amazing.”
Jeanette Bell, Principal of Oasis Academy Arena, described the space as a “hidden gem” in South Norwood. She said: “This community space will help many more young people discover Croydon’s best-kept secret and create opportunities that positively impact their futures.”
Despite the positive reception, Croydon Council continues to face criticism for recent cuts to youth services, which have led to job losses and reduced provision. Some have described the changes, which the LDRS has previously reported on, as cost-cutting measures that disadvantage children.
Councillor Andy Stranack, who attended the launch, responded to concerns: “We are shifting finances away from centralised council control to trusted voluntary sector providers like Play Place, Palace for Life and Oasis. That’s where we want the money to go.”
He added: “The funding previously allocated to youth engagement is now going directly to these organisations so they can continue delivering vital services for young people across Croydon.”
Ms Irons also addressed the broader issue of national funding cuts: “We’ve seen a 73% reduction in youth funding across the country. Croydon has had to sell off its youth-focused buildings and dissolve its youth engagement team.”
She warned: “With one in five children facing mental health issues, and young people among the loneliest in the country, there’s an urgent need to rebuild community spaces where they feel they belong and have a stake in the places they grow up.”
