A new multi-million pound youth centre is to be built in Nottingham after the local authority secured more than £4.9m as part of the government's myplace initiative.

Nottingham City Council (NCC) is behind the NGY project, which is one of four proposed youth facilities earmarked for the East Midlands region that will benefit from a funding package worth almost £20m. Plans for the new Nottingham centre include a music recording studio; a DVD production area; a dance studio; a gym and a café, in addition to offering activities such as football and martial arts.

The council is working in partnership with a range of private, voluntary and statutory organisations on the development, ensuring the facility provides support and advice on issues affecting local 13-19-year-olds. NGY myplace will be housed in a revamped historic building in the city centre - 29-31 Castle Gate, which is the former home of radio station Trent FM and a specialist women's hospital.

NCC portfolio holder for children and families David Mellen said: "NGY myplace will be an exciting and innovative place for young people aged 13 and above in the heart of the city. "Whether it is just a coffee and place to meet friends or being able to speak to a trained professional who will be able to offer immediate assistance to those most in need, NGY myplace will have it all."