A “revolutionary” youth and community centre built in partnership with Watford FC and Harrow Council was officially opened by former Watford manager Graham Taylor today.

The new £4m Cedars Youth Centre, in Chicheley Gardens, Harrow, which features an astro turf pitch, computer rooms, an indoor climbing wall and dance studios, was also opened by MP Tim Loughton.

The four-year project was built thanks to a grant awarded under the Department for Education’s My Place programme.

Graham Taylor, who is now the non-executive chairman of Watford FC, praised the centre.

He said: “It’s a fantastic community hub - so revolutionary. This place has everything for adults and children and I am incredibly proud about what has been achieved.

“It’s going to be very beneficial to the children too, as there are thousands of activities here they can choose from.”

Neil Hart, head of community at Watford FC, said the team was looking forward to be making a “positive difference” to the lives of the people in Harrow.

He said: “We hope this centre will help improve general health and wellbeing through the delivery of sport and physical activity, raise educational attainment levels and reduce unemployment among young people aged 16 to 24 through the implementation of a comprehensive education programme.”

Children who attended the grand opening said they were “really excited” to start using the centre.

Liam O’Reilly, a Year 8 student at Hatch End High School, said he liked the “comfortable and peaceful atmosphere” of the centre.

He said: “This place is so clean, I could eat my dinner off the floor. I’ve never seen a centre like it and cannot wait to come here with my friends.”

His friend, Antonio Phillips, 11, agreed, adding: “I feel very safe coming here, it’s so much better than staying at home playing computer games that numb my brain.

“Here I have the chance to be active with my friends in a safe environment, and I am very grateful to Harrow Council and Watford FC for giving us awesome place to just chill out.”