Creating a dedicated space for young people to learn, connect and thrive

Client: Blackpool Council

Conlon Construction delivered The Oracle, a purpose-built youth centre for Blackpool Council, providing a modern community facility designed to support education, wellbeing, creativity and personal development for young people across the town.

Funded through the Government’s My Place programme, the development created a vibrant hub where young people can access support services, develop new skills and participate in a wide range of social and community activities.

The Challenge

The project required the creation of a highly flexible, multi-purpose facility capable of accommodating a diverse range of youth-focused services, activities and community programmes within a single building.

The design needed to maximise usable space while creating an open, welcoming environment that would encourage engagement and provide long-term value for young people and the wider community.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a contemporary three-storey facility comprising:

• Structural steel frame construction
• Composite cladding system designed to maximise internal floor space
• 1,071m² of accommodation across three floors
• Flexible multi-use activity spaces
• Dedicated youth service offices and support facilities
• Community and social spaces
• Activity and learning environments
• Direct connection to a public external plaza
• Adaptable layouts capable of supporting a wide range of programmes and events

The building was designed to provide a welcoming, accessible environment that can evolve alongside the changing needs of future users.

The Outcome

The Oracle has become an important community asset for Blackpool, providing a dedicated space where young people can access opportunities, support services and activities designed to help them develop confidence, skills and aspirations.

The quality of both the design and delivery has been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including:

• LABC North West Building Excellence Award – Best Community Building
• Civic Trust Award – Best New Build
• RICS North West Awards – Community Benefit Finalist

The project remains a standout example of how investment in community infrastructure can create lasting social value and positive outcomes for future generations.

On behalf of Blackpool Council, our Client, Youth Services, and the Capital Projects design team I want to acknowledge the outstanding job that Conlon Construction have done.