New youth club Villa” in Panketal: A place for all generations!

New youth club Villa” in Panketal: A place for all generations!

On September 23, 2025 the time had finally come: the new youth club “Villa” in Panketal opened its doors. This long-awaited moment was heralded by Mayor Maximilian Wonke, who celebrated the opening together with numerous actors and decision-makers. The enthusiasm was palpable, and in his words the mayor expressed his thanks to the committed specialists in youth work, the administration and the SKP architectural firm who pushed the project forward. The administration has invested over a million euros in the renovation to create a place where young people can experience a lot.

In the middle of Zepernick, the “Villa” offers multifunctional spaces that promote creativity and community among young people. The opening times are Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and are aimed at everyone aged 12 and over. The club is supervised by a project manager and two youth supporters from the SPI Foundation, who have already adopted proven concepts from the previous “Heizhaus” offer.

A place for all generations

The “Villa” impresses not only with its bright lounges, which are equipped with modern technology, but also with the neighboring kitchen, which makes it possible to offer food and drinks. In the upper area there are waiting rooms for board games and exercise, media education offers and retreats for quiet moments. The concept is particularly exciting, as it also looks at the use by different generations. Mayor Wonke emphasizes how important this cross-generational use of the building is.

The history of this project goes back to 2008, when the first discussions about a youth club began. In 2018, the decision was made to convert the former “Dream Castle” daycare center, but structural measures and approval procedures delayed implementation. After receiving the building permit at the end of 2023 and starting construction in March 2024, the construction work was completed in April 2025.

Diverse offerings in the “Heizhaus” and beyond

Meanwhile, the former “Heizhaus” continues to offer a wide range of offerings. There are rooms available here for free leisure activities during opening hours. The educational specialists work with the young people to develop changing projects that are tailored to their interests. The current range of topics ranges from creative, artistic and sporting activities to workshops on important life questions. A special highlight are the regular conversations in which the young people can discuss topics relevant to their everyday lives.

• Einradgruppe “Wild Wheelz”
• Sammelkartennacht für Strategy- und Brettspiele
• Kummerkasten für individuelle Anliegen
• Elternstammtisch und Familienbrettspieltag

The specialists offer young people an open ear not only during regular opening hours, but also on weekends and during the holidays, when additional projects and excursions are carried out. The collaboration with schools is also effective through special offers that are specifically developed for students.

With the new “Villa” youth club and the existing “Heizhaus”, Panketal has created two attractive contact points that make a valuable contribution to open youth work. Participation, co-determination and the promotion of personal responsibility are at the top of the agenda. In accordance with the legal basis, young people are supported in their development, which not only takes into account the immediate needs of the young generation, but also contributes to harmonious interaction between young and old in the community in the long term.

More information about the new offers in the “Villa” can be found on the barnim-aktuell website, while the Stiftung SPI team is working on the current projects in the “Heizhaus” takes care of it. The legal basis and the technical understanding of youth work can be found in detail at SGB VIII.