A Chandler's Ford youth centre targeted by vandals could be given a new lease of life in a major makeover.

Eastleigh councillors will next week consider its contribution towards a proposed £150,000 upgrade of the Station Youth Centre.

The complex, next to the area's new railway station, is let on a long lease to the trustees of the Chandler's Ford Youth Centre.

Although the youth club no longer operates from the centre, the focus is still very much on facilities for young people with the main users being Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre, High Spirits Youth Club - catering for 35 young people mainly with special needs - and Little Gems Play Group.

The centre had become a target for antisocial behaviour. Repairing the damage has drawn heavily on the maintenance and reserve budgets of the management committee.

However, the vandalism has been curbed since the opening of the railway station led to new lighting and closed-circuit television coverage over a large area.

The management committee is now in a position to address the longer-term interests of users.

Centre chiefs say the most economically viable way forward would be to extend the existing premises.

They have drawn up plans that would increase the floorspace by 50 per cent, providing exclusive accommodation for the three main users.

It would provide greater flexibility in attracting new users to the centre.

The long-term ambition is to see a community facility being used throughout the day and evening.

On Wednesday the Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury Local Area Committee will be asked to release some of the £35,000 the council has previously allocated towards the upgrade.

The management committee is hoping to raise the rest of the cash through lottery grants, community action grants and sponsorship through local schools and businesses.

In a report, the council's area co-ordinator Andy Milner says: "The plans represent a magnificent opportunity to develop a local facility to meet a wide range of community needs, particularly for young people."