Plans for the construction of a new multi-million pound youth centre in Hinckley, Leicestershire, have been given the green light by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council's (HBBC) planning committee.

The new complex, which has already received a £4.7m grant from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) as part of the myplace initiative, has been designed by Newark-based William Saunders Partnership and will cater for young people between the ages of eight and 19 years old. Indoor facilities planned for the centre will include a snooker and pool area, a four-court sports hall, a computer area, a fitness suite, a music room and a chill-out zone. Outdoor facilities will incorporate a BMX track, a five-a-side football pitch, a skate park and a grass junior-sized football pitch.

It is expected that HBBC will contribute around £1.5m to the Hinckley Club for Young People scheme, which will see the new venue built at the town's Richmond Park and will incorporate environmentally-friendly features including rainwater harvesting and high-effieciency lighting. Speaking at a visit to the site of the new facility on 22 June, myplace ambassador and Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave said: "This project will be a hub for a wide range of exciting, positive and challenging activities - whether it is art, sport, culture or simply a place to be with other like-minded people."

A 'drop-in' facility will also be provided for police community support officers and health visitors to provide advice and support services to young people.