Work is underway to convert a large former shop into a boxing club, gym and music studio for youngsters.

1Up Collective is converting the former charity shop in South Walk, Basildon, into the new youth centre, which will also offer a martial arts gym.

The site is below the former Raquels nightclub, which was linked to the 1995 drug-related death of Leah Betts.

The site has also been used as a shoe shop but has stood empty for years. 1Up Collective plans to provide teaching for young people who are struggling in mainstream school and those with special education needs and disabilities at the Basildon Town Centre site.

Andy Barnes, leader of the Basildon Conservatives, said: "It's always encouraging to give young people somewhere to go, and it sounds like those activities are quite positive. It's certainly something we would support and look to deliver more of. That kinda closer to the ground community support is something that can offer a really good return for investment."

The company, which runs community centres for young people, will take over the ground and first floor of the building, while the former club, which welcomed the likes of The Who and Depeche Mode, was above on the second and fourth floors.

The project has received funding from various sources, including £13,800 from Basildon Borough Council, £65,000 from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, £30,000 in additional financial contributions, and about £50,000 in support from local construction firms.

Louise Brown, co-founder and director of 1Up Collective, said: "We're delighted to finally begin work on the refurbishment of this space so it can benefit local young people and the whole community. I would like to thank the Basildon Community Safety Partnership, the PFCC, Basildon Council and Councillor Jack Ferguson for their funding and support in helping us make this happen."