Young people across Hackney have got involved in the You Choose, You Win! competition for the myplace project and submitted their ideas for a name that’s fit for a new generation of youth centres in the borough.

More than 100 entries were received, and nearly 200 names suggested, in the competition that was open to 11 to 19 year olds who live, work or study in Hackney.

A judging panel, comprising members of the myplace participation team (13-19 year olds who have been involved with the development of the programme from the outset), Councillor Rita Krishna and youth workers, then had the challenging role of reviewing the long list of names to come up with a shortlist.

Following much deliberation, they’ve decided on their top three names and it’s now up to the people of Hackney to choose one for the new youth centres in an online vote.

The shortlist is:
- Youth at the Heart of Hackney
- One for All
- Young Hackney

The names are listed in an online poll at www.younghackney.org. People can vote for their favourite one by simply clicking on their choice on the right hand side of the homepage.

Councillor Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The new name will set the tone of what young people want for themselves in this Borough for years to come. The number of competition entries shows that people want to play a part. Do vote and take part yourselves.”

Voting closes on Friday 5 March and the winning name and brand will be launched later in the month.

All the young people who suggested names on the shortlist will receive an ‘I Love Hackney’ T-Shirt and a beanie (hat). The entrant who suggested the name that comes out top of the poll will win £100 in vouchers to go on an activity of their choice.

In addition, there s still time for people to influence the proposed design for the new Forest Road centre in the myplace project. To see the latest ideas designed by MatthewLloyd architects, visit: www.younghackney.org/myplace