A new dedicated space for young people to get together after school has officially opened in Retford after securing government funding.
The ‘Overflow Lounge’ behind The Well Baptist Church on Hospital Road has been created by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board in partnership with The Well, The Elizabethan Academy and Retford Oaks Academy.
£25k has been spent on refurbishment works for the outbuilding including a new kitchen, layout, decoration, flooring, lighting and equipment following consultation with young people from both schools.
Rick Brand, Chair of the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board, said: "We have been working for some time towards delivering a safe after-school environment for young people to enjoy, and it is great to finally see it arrive.
“Many thanks go to Cllr Sue Shaw and Steve Walker, who have worked so hard to make this idea into a reality."
The Overflow Lounge will give young people the chance to relax, play games, enjoy snacks and socialise in a safe and welcoming environment, as well as getting involved in helping to run sessions with their own ideas and activities.
It has been supported by the Town Centre Streetscaping Fund funded by UK Government and allocated by Bassetlaw District Council.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: “The Overflow Lounge gives young people a welcoming place of their own where they can connect, have fun and socialise.It builds on the provision that Retford’s Young People’s Centre offers.
“I am looking forward to seeing how this develops over the coming months and the difference it will make for young people in the town.”
Initially the Overflow Lounge will be welcoming students after school on a Wednesday with plans for more days in the future.
Last Updated on Friday, May 8, 2026