PLANS for a new youth centre in Harrow Weald have moved a step further to reality with the approval of the designs.

Watford FC and Harrow Council submitted their designs for the new £4.2m Cedars Youth Centre to the Big Lottery Fund and have been given the green light.

A contractor can now be hired to build the centre, and it is hoped work can begin on the site, in Cedars Open Space, towards the end of this year.

Councillor Mitzi Green, in charge of children’s services at the council, said: “This is excellent news for people of all ages in Harrow Weald but in particular a huge boost for young people in the area.”

The centre will feature an all-weather football pitch, sports hall, gym and climbing wall as well as computers, a cafe, and space for arts anc crafts.

The designs were drawn up after consultation with local residents to find out what they would like to see in the new centre, which will replace the existing and ageing youth centre on the site.

Neil Hart, Watford FC's head of community, said: “The hard work now starts in order to build a world class facility that can make a real difference to its community.”

Councillor Tony Ferrari, who signed off the original deal while the Conservatives had power in Harrow, said: "I am delighted that this project has been approved.

"Over the last year it has been a case study on how to do a great job of engaging with the local community."