Plans for the development of a major new youth facility in the centre of Luton have received a boost after the Department for Education approved capital funding worth £4.7m.

The Tokko scheme has been designed by Max Rengifo of AStudio Architecture with the help of local young people, and was given the go ahead by Luton Borough Council (LBC) planners in April. Facilities at the five-storey building will include multi-use studios; a climbing wall; training and counselling rooms; performance spaces; a media room; and a games and IT area.

A fashion and beauty studio; a rooftop zen garden; and a public café are also among plans for Tokko, which could see work commence on site as early as July. A spokesperson for LBC said: "TOKKO will be a much-needed youth facility for our young people and one which they all deserve, and we are pleased that funding support is continuing."