Teenage construction students are helping to convert an empty office block into a community kitchen.
The multi-trade students, all aged 16 to 19 and studying at the Brighton Metropolitan College, are working on the renovation for the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership.
They are carrying out the important initial work on the site including stripping out existing fittings, walls and ceilings – and making the existing electrical and plumbing safe for the refurbishment work.
The Food Partnership aims to turn the empty offices in Queen’s Road into the most ambitious project in their 13-year history.
Backed by the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, the community kitchen will provide cooking lessons and workshops for everyone ranging from beginners to more experienced cooks.
Subsided courses will also be run for people with learning difficulties, on low incomes or with mental health issues.
The Food Partnership’s community kitchen manager Alan Lugton said: “The Met students are showing what community really means by working so hard.
“We are so impressed by their spirit and enthusiasm.
“We can’t wait to complete the transformation of this space so we can get on with inspiring more people to cook and share food.”
Brighton Met construction tutor Stephen Wilkins said: “This has been a great opportunity for our students to gain a valuable work experience, enhancing their time at college, and giving them real-world life skills.”
