The £8 million redevelopment of a youth centre in Custom House is underway.

Demolition machinery has moved into the site at the start of the regeneration of the Shipman Youth Zone in Prince Regent Lane.

Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz was on site as the work started, which will see the old centre transformed by January 2024.

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The new youth zone will be open six days a week for 12 hours a day, the council said.

It aims to provide young people in the area with access to outdoor space in an environment that they consider "home from home".

The outdoor space will also house a performance area, which can be used by the community.

The Shipman Youth Zone and Family Hub will serve Custom House which, according to the council, is the most economically deprived area of the borough.

Ms Fiaz said: "I’m pleased to be able to mark the start of building a brand new multi-million-pound Shipman Youth Zone, which will deliver a first-class facility for our children and young people in the neighbourhood in a brand new building which will be carbon neutral as well."