New Next Gen Youth Hub Opens in Roehampton for Play & Creativity 2026

Key Points

• Wandsworth Council has officially opened a new Youth Hub in Roehampton, named ‘Next Gen’ by young people themselves.
• The hub creates a safe and welcoming space for children and young people aged 5 to 25, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• It complements the Roehampton Family Hub launched in October 2024, enhancing local services with play, creativity, skill-building, and support opportunities.
• The hub aligns with Wandsworth’s Youth Strategy priorities: enhancing wellbeing, fostering inclusion, building confidence, and supporting personal growth.
• Young people, staff, and community partners collaborated on its design, ensuring inclusive provision like play for younger children, study spaces for Year 10-13 students, and music opportunities.
• Features include a refurbished outdoor area with arts and crafts, basketball, table tennis, and a sensory ‘chill and chat’ garden.
• The launch event occurred on 19 February 2026, attended by the Youth Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and local councillors, featuring demonstrations of SEN sessions, play rangers, outdoor activities, and creative sessions.
• It forms part of Wandsworth’s Year of Play commitment and ambition to make the borough the best place for children to grow up.
• Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, praised the hub as a reflection of the council’s dedication to play, creativity, and inclusion.
• The council will continue partnering with families, schools, and community groups to sustain opportunities at the hub.
• More details, including opening times, are available via the official Wandsworth Council page: New Youth Hub at Roehampton Family Hub.

Roehampton, Wandsworth (South London News) February 20, 2026 – Wandsworth Council has unveiled a vibrant new Youth Hub called ‘Next Gen’ in Roehampton, providing a dedicated space for young people aged 5 to 25 to play, unleash creativity, and access vital support services. This initiative builds directly on the Roehampton Family Hub’s opening in October 2024, aiming to broaden opportunities amid the council’s push to become London’s premier borough for child development. Designed with input from local youth, the hub promises inclusive activities tailored to diverse needs, from sensory play to exam-focused study zones.

What Is the New Youth Hub in Roehampton?

The Youth Hub, officially termed ‘Next Gen’, stands as a cornerstone of Wandsworth Council’s expanded youth provision.

According to the council’s announcement, it offers a safe, nurturing environment where children and young people can connect, explore creativity, and receive guidance from trained youth workers on emotional wellbeing, personal development, and future aspirations.

The space caters to ages 5 to 25, with specific inclusivity for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring no one is left behind.

As detailed in Wandsworth Council’s service page, the hub’s unique offerings span play-focused sessions for younger children, distraction-free study areas for Year 10 to 13 students, and facilities for aspiring musicians to learn and perform.

This aligns with the borough’s cultural ambitions under the London Borough of Culture banner. A refurbished outdoor area further enriches the experience, featuring safe zones for socialising, sports like basketball and table tennis, arts and crafts, and a calming sensory garden dubbed the ‘chill and chat’ zone.

Why Was the Youth Hub Developed?

The hub emerges as a direct complement to existing services, particularly following the Roehampton Family Hub’s launch in October 2024. Wandsworth Council’s press release emphasises its role in fulfilling the Youth Strategy’s core priorities:

enhancing wellbeing, fostering inclusion, building confidence, and driving personal growth. Through accessible skill-building in a supportive setting, it addresses gaps in local youth provisions, empowering residents amid rising demands for mental health and developmental support.

Collaboration lay at the heart of its creation. The council reports that children and young people who will use the hub, alongside staff teams and local community partners, co-designed the space. This participatory approach not only named it ‘Next Gen’ but ensured activities resonate with users’ real needs, from creative outlets to quiet reflection areas.

Who Attended the Launch Event?

The official opening on 19 February 2026 drew key figures, including the Youth Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and local councillors.

Attendees witnessed a showcase of the hub’s offerings first-hand, as per the council’s event summary. Highlights included Special Educational Needs (SEN) sessions, play ranger-led activities, utilisation of the outdoor space, and creative pursuits tailored for younger children.

Speeches from the young mayoral team underscored the event’s community spirit, reinforcing the hub’s role in youth empowerment. No additional media reports from external journalists were identified covering the launch, with all details stemming directly from Wandsworth Council’s official channels.

What Did Judi Gasser Say About the Hub?

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, delivered a strong endorsement during the launch. As quoted in Wandsworth Council’s statement, she said:

“This fantastic new space reflects our commitment to making Wandsworth the best place for children to grow up. It was shaped by our young people themselves and is all about play, creativity and inclusion. As part of our Year of Play, we are proud to invest in spaces like ‘Next Gen’, where every child and young person feels welcome, supported and has a space to play.”

Gasser’s remarks highlight the council’s proactive investment philosophy, tying the hub to broader initiatives.

How Does the Hub Fit into Wandsworth’s Broader Plans?

The Youth Hub integrates seamlessly into Wandsworth’s Year of Play commitment, a year-long drive to prioritise play as essential for growth. The council’s ambition, as outlined in related pages like Year of Play, seeks to ensure every child accesses safe spaces, enriching activities, and supportive communities—positioning the borough as the UK’s top destination for raising children.

It also supports wider cultural goals via the London Borough of Culture programme, particularly through music and arts facilities. Ongoing collaboration with local families, schools, and partners will sustain its impact, per the council’s pledge.

What Activities Are Available at Next Gen?

Diversity defines the hub’s programme. Indoor spaces host play and creative activities for the youngest visitors, while older teens benefit from quiet study nooks ideal for GCSE and A-level preparation. Music enthusiasts gain performance platforms, nurturing talent in line with borough-wide arts promotion.

Outdoors, the revamped area buzzes with options: basketball courts, table tennis tables, arts and crafts stations, and the sensory garden for relaxed ‘chill and chat’ moments. SEN-specific sessions and play ranger guidance ensure accessibility, with demonstrations at launch confirming their appeal.

Who Can Access the Youth Hub?

Provision spans ages 5 to 25, explicitly including SEND youth. Wandsworth Council stresses its inclusivity, shaped by user input to suit varied abilities and interests. No barriers are mentioned regarding residency, though it primarily serves Roehampton’s young residents as an extension of local family services.

Trained youth workers provide on-site support for emotional wellbeing and aspirations, making it a holistic resource beyond mere recreation.

When and Where Can Families Find More Information?

Opening times and full schedules are listed on the dedicated page: New Youth Hub at Roehampton Family Hub. Located within the Roehampton Family Hub precinct, it integrates with established infrastructure for easy access.

Wandsworth Council encourages families to explore listings for SEN sessions, play ranger events, and creative workshops, ensuring transparency.

What Makes Next Gen Unique?

Its youth-led naming and design set it apart, as reported by the council. Unlike generic centres, ‘Next Gen’ responds to specific feedback, blending play, education, and therapy in one venue. The outdoor sensory elements and music focus distinguish it, amplifying Roehampton’s community fabric.

This model could inspire similar hubs, reflecting best practices in co-produced public services.

Future Plans for the Hub

Wandsworth Council commits to long-term viability through partnerships. Ongoing work with families, schools, and groups will evolve offerings, adapting to needs. As part of Year of Play and Youth Strategy, expansions in cultural tie-ins are likely, solidifying Roehampton’s role in borough-wide progress.

No specific timelines for additional phases were detailed, but the emphasis on “lasting opportunities” signals sustained investment.