A major transformation of young people’s justice spaces across the Island has taken another step forward, with the installation of newly redesigned rooms at Newport Police Station now complete.

The work is part of the Isle of Wight Council’s Youth Justice Service “Child First Spaces” initiative, which aims to soften the often intimidating environments children encounter when engaging with the justice system.

The project focuses on reducing anxiety, promoting dignity and creating settings where constructive conversations can take place.

The Newport Police Station project was a joint initiative with Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, which empowers children and young people to make a positive difference to their communities through creativity.

Through a series of workshops, the children co-created the calming design with local artist, Laura Hathaway.

Service lead Ruth Hayles said the latest installation marks a “significant milestone” in the programme.

She said: “Children have told us repeatedly that traditional justice spaces can feel frightening and overwhelming.

“By redesigning these rooms with them, not just for them, we’re showing that their voices matter. The new space at Newport Police Station will make a real difference to how young people experience these difficult moments.”

The Newport installation is the fourth environment to undergo a child‑centred redesign, following earlier transformations at County Hall and the Isle of Wight Youth Court.

Room 8 at County Hall has been turned into a calming, neutral space specifically designed to support restorative practice.

Staff say the layout and décor help victims and children feel safe enough to speak openly as part of their harm‑reduction work.

At the Isle of Wight Youth Court office, children and parents now meet in a warmer, more comfortable and less clinical setting.

Young people involved in shaping the plans described the room as “a lot better” and “nice to have a proper space to talk,” while staff have noticed a calmer atmosphere and improved engagement.

The Youth Court cell — formerly a stark, windowless room — has been reimagined through the project.

Again, working with Artwork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme and artist Laura Hathaway, children co-designed a series of small murals themed around nature and space.

A defining feature of the project is that children have shaped every stage — from choosing colours and furniture to developing artwork and themes.

The Youth Justice Service says this “child‑led” approach supports the national shift toward “Child First” justice principles.

Ruth added: “When children help design the spaces they use, they feel ownership, pride and dignity. These projects show just how powerful creativity and collaboration can be.”

Councillor Karen Lucioni, chair of the councils environment and community protection committee, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when we truly listen to children and act on what they tell us.

“Creating spaces that feel calm, safe and respectful is essential if we want children to engage positively with the justice system.

“I’m incredibly proud of the creativity and collaboration that has gone into these new rooms, and even more proud of the children whose ideas have shaped them.”

With work at Newport Police Station now complete, the team hopes to expand the Child First Spaces model to more locations across the Island.

A recently submitted Artsmark Statement of Commitment reflects their ambition to embed arts, culture and creativity into all areas of their practice.

Further projects are already underway. One of these is another collaboration with Artswork. In this project, children are working with Community Murals Isle of Wight to co‑design a mural at Sandown Station.

It is one of three youth‑led Artswork initiatives taking place at the station. Together, these form part of a longer‑term vision to create welcoming, community‑enhancing spaces.

The three collaborations with Artswork are funded by Arts Council England. The court cell project had additional funding from #BeeWell and the Sandown Station project is being jointly funded by South Western Railway CCIF.