British Engines Group has formalized a decade-long sponsorship agreement with The Lighthouse Project, an innovative new youth and community hub based at St Michael’s Church in Byker, Newcastle. The global engineering firm is providing long-term financial support to help establish and sustain this state-of-the-art facility dedicated to empowering young people.
Beyond funding the setup and operational expenses, British Engines will also offer young residents of Byker a variety of opportunities, including work experience placements and training programs. Founded in Byker in 1922, British Engines now employs approximately 1,200 staff across two divisions, delivering products and services to diverse industries worldwide.
Slated to open this summer, The Lighthouse Project aims to serve around 1,500 young people and families annually by offering a safe, inclusive space for growth and community engagement. Its programs will feature open-access youth clubs, homework support, family health and wellbeing initiatives, forest school sessions, mentoring, special educational needs assistance, and outreach youth work in collaboration with local partners.
The ambitious redevelopment includes a new youth club annexe, dedicated arts and performance areas, an e-sports suite, music rehearsal rooms, outdoor sports facilities, and a nature trail. The center will also house office, meeting, and storage spaces for local community groups, provide a new base for the Byker Scout Group, and feature a redesigned worship area.
Alex Lamb, Chairman of British Engines Group, emphasized the company’s deep local roots and commitment to giving back. “The Lighthouse Project is located near our original founding site. As a key employer in the North East, we feel a profound responsibility to support the local community,” Lamb said. “We’re proud to fund the project’s infrastructure and initial setup, and to sustain its operations through an annual grant that will ensure long-term success.”
He added, “We look forward to actively supporting The Lighthouse Project’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for young people and to make a lasting positive impact on the community.”
Ben Roman, CEO of The Lighthouse Project, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “Having the long-term support of a respected Newcastle business like British Engines validates our vision and ambitions,” Roman said. “This collaboration will unlock life-changing opportunities for many young people in Byker and showcase their potential when given the chance to thrive.”
Roman also highlighted the importance of corporate backing for achieving the project’s full potential and noted ongoing discussions with other North East businesses interested in community investment.
The Lighthouse Project’s development is funded by a £4.2 million grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Youth Investment Fund, alongside generous contributions from the Lord Crewe Trust and The Squires Foundation. The new facility promises to be a vital resource for Byker and the wider Newcastle area, ushering in a new era of youth support and community engagement.