CONSTRUCTION: A vegetable-growing area and rooftop skate park are just two of the features in a building being constructed by a Hull firm.

Houlton, of Hyperion Street in Hull, secured the contract for the £3 million Orangebox youth facility in Halifax, which is due for completion in the autumn 2012.

The centre will also include a performance and visual arts space, a studio for drama and dance, music rehearsal rooms and an IT suite.

Managing director Paul Dickerson said: "Houlton is delighted to have secured this landmark project, which has received significant govern-ment funding.

"While maintaining our commitment to Hull and the East Riding, we are pleased to be building in other areas of Yorkshire and securing this contract against strong regional competition demonstrates the excellent reputation of construction companies in this area."

David McQuillan, of Square Chapel Centre for the Arts, lead partners on the project, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that, after three years of hard work, the Orangebox is now starting on site.

"We were delighted to be able to appoint Houlton, which offered a really extensive and exciting programme of young people's engagement."

The Orangebox is part of the myplace programme, which aims to deliver world-class youth facilities driven by the active participation of young people and their views and needs.