A youth centre in Doncaster is seeking to open a second venue after growing demand pushed it beyond capacity, as staff warn of a wider decline in opportunities for young people in the area. The EPIC Hub in the Frenchgate Shopping Centre has become an award-winning success since opening five years ago, and its deputy manager says a bigger space would allow it to keep pace with visitor numbers while building stronger relationships with the young people who use it.

The hub was used by 2,410 young people between April last year and March this year, generating more than 8,300 attendances, and engagement rose 14% over the past year, helping it win a national award in February 2026. Council figures including Bob Anderson have welcomed the expansion plans, while deputy manager Tom Chambers noted that free bus travel being considered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority could bring even more young people into the city centre. The hub, run in partnership with South Yorkshire Police and Frenchgate Shopping Centre, is also expanding its summer activities, including trips such as paintballing, and sits alongside other council-run youth hubs in Denaby Main and Bentley.