YMCA Central Herts has unveiled plans for a new £14m youth and community centre on the site of a former car park in Welwyn Garden City.

A bid for £5m funding has already been made to the government's 'MyPlace' programme, which was set up earlier this year to provide cash towards projects aimed at creating new facilities for young people. Facilities planned for the new centre include a swimming pool, a skate park, a climbing wall, a multi-use sports hall, an outdoor all-weather sports area and youth fitness suite. A multimedia studio and music recording studio are also outlined in the proposals.

A decision on the application for the government grant, which would be the primary source of funding, is expected in the new year. YMCA Central Herts plans to meet the remaining costs through a major fundraising programme. Chief executive of YMCA Central Herts, Robin Webb, said: "We have been working on developing a new activity venue for young people for some time. The launch of the MyPlace funding programme was an unmissable opportunity to bring forward our plans and kick-start funding for the centre.

"Ideally this centre would form part of the redevelopment of the Broadwater Road site, but the timing of that development remains uncertain – as a result we are looking to locate the centre on the old Roche car park site, which is currently up for sale." Tesco has also reportedly proposed a new swimming pool as part of a new supermarket development at a nearby site. Webb said: "If Tesco are keen to invest in a pool for the people of Welwyn Garden City, then we would be delighted to work with them to see their generous contribution to the community form part of our major new youth and community centre."