A youth club has reopened following a major refurbishment.

The Royals Youth Centre in Viking Way, Rainham, held a special ceremony on Saturday after an extension was completed.

The project included building a new floor on the site, housing an up-to-date IT suite and a meeting room.

Veolia North Thames Trust (VNTT) – formerly the Havering Riverside Trust – provided £178,000, and the group also received £312,000 from Havering Council’s capital budget and £20,000 from the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund.

Sam Sheen and Paula Young, members of the Royals club, said: “We are very grateful to all the organisations which have funded our project, as without them, the young people of Havering would not have such an exciting, bright and friendly place to spend their time – either on their own or with their friends”.

The refurbishment has also made the centre accessible for disabled people, with a new lift being installed.

Sally Miller, administrator at Veolia, said the event on Saturday was enjoyed by everyone, with singers and dancers performing including the youth drama group Lightnin and talented musicians the Essex Marching Corp.

“It was simply a day of fun to highlight what the centre has to offer,” she added.

The centre offers a range of activities to support young people varying from arts and crafts to teaching IT skills.

Civic Architects completed the refurbishment of the building, which was built around 15 years ago, along with volunteers from the youth club.

Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, attended the event, along with Havering Council’s cabinet member for the environment Cllr Robert Benham (Brooklands, Con) and cabinet member for culture and community engagement Cllr Melvin Wallace (Squirrels Heath, Con).

The trio were invited to cut the ribbon, officially re-opening the centre.