Sandwell Council and CWM: Supporting young people through the Coneygre Youth Arts Centre renovation
The project combined building improvements with meaningful skills development, creating opportunities for local young people aged 14 to 24, including care-experienced young people. Alongside refreshing the building, the works supported the expansion of the centre’s music studio facilities, helping to meet high demand for creative space within the community.
Creating skills, confidence and opportunity
Through the partnership with VIY, young people took part in supervised, hands-on work experience while working alongside skilled mentors and industry professionals. Participants gained exposure to real construction environments and entry-level qualifications, helping to build practical skills and awareness of career pathways within the built environment.
Specialist subcontractors supported elements of the project that required technical expertise or working at height, ensuring all works were delivered safely, professionally and to a high standard.
The project was made possible thanks to financial contributions from Constructing West Midlands framework partners, with Interclass, Seddon, Galliford Try, Willmott Dixon and Morgan Sindall each pledging £5,000 to support delivery. Specialist works were coordinated by Speller Metcalfe, ensuring the project met safety and quality standards.
Michael Wragg our Senior Social Value officer said “This project shows how the Social Value Team, working closely with contract partners, can deliver real added value for the local area. It’s a strong example of the CWM framework’s commitment to social value and giving back to the communities where they work. By investing time, skills and resources into the Coneygre Youth Arts Centre, partners improved an important local facility while giving young people, including those with care experience, the opportunity to learn practical skills and be part of something positive. The expanded music studio space will help the centre meet growing demand and support young people’s creativity for years to come.”
Delivering lasting community impact
The completed renovation has refreshed a valued community asset and expanded access to creative facilities for young people in Tipton. By improving the physical environment while investing in skills and employability, the project demonstrates how social value can deliver benefits that go beyond construction.
The initiative leaves a lasting legacy, both through a more welcoming and functional youth arts centre and by empowering young people with experience and qualifications that support their future aspirations.