A special reception was held at the Civic Centre in Dagenham on Monday night to reveal more details about the Onside Future Youth Zone that opens in 2019.

History will be made when the centre officially opens in Barking and Dagenham as the Youth Zone will be the first of its kind in London.

Building work has already got underway after West Ham captain Mark Noble was among a number of people who helped put a giant spade into the ground to officially start work at a ground-breaking ceremony back in January.

Local councillors, partners and youngsters from the Youth Zone came together once again this week to discuss more plans as excitement builds ahead of the unveiling at Parsloes Park.

Future Youth Zone Chief Executive Gavin Evans said: “I was really pleased with how the evening went and it was great to see so many local businesses and partners in attendance, so they can see how our plans are progressing.

“The spade went into the ground only a few months ago, but we are really excited with the progress that has been made.”

This is going to be a major development in the borough and will transform the lives of our youngsters

A number of speeches were made on the night including some emotional words from the youngsters who look set to play a major role in the Youth Zone’s operation.

Freya, Jessica and Taylor all spoke about the importance that the centre will have on their lives and will also help their friends and families.

Councillor Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “I was touched by some of their stories and you can sense the excitement they have ahead of the Youth Zone being opened next year.

“It is so important that we have a centre like this for our youngsters to use to develop their skills and it will only cost 50p for them to get in.

“This is going to be a major development in the borough and will transform the lives of our youngsters.”

The Youth Zone will boast a wide array of world-class facilities and activities from sports in the four-court sports hall, martial arts room and 3G kick pitch; to art, drama, music, cooking and enterprise and employability opportunities.

The facility will offer young people aged between 8-19 up to 20 activities a night and will be open seven-days-a-week.