Plans to transform one of London’s oldest youth clubs were given the green light earlier this month.

Heatham House in Twickenham will receive a £500,000 from Richmond Council after it was approved at a planning meeting earlier this month.

A refurbishment, including improvements to accessibility, of the gym will start in June and continue until the end of the year.

Council cabinet member for children’s services Councillor Christine Percival said: “Heatham House will become a first-class facility for the borough’s children and young people once this project is completed.

“This is nothing less than they deserve and I’m certain the centre will have a long and successful future thanks to this £500,000 investment from the council.”

Other improvements include creating more floor space, a divider to split the hall, upgrading visual and audio equipment and an extension to include an office and social area.