The Young People and Community Space Project documents the ways in which young people (aged 12 through 24 years) in New South Wales (Australia) use community space and explores ways in which conflicts in the use of community space can be addressed. Community space, for purposes of the study, includes privately owned places such as shopping centers where young people often congregate. This document upholds that it is important that individuals receive education and training to make them more sensitive to the needs of young people and the issues facing them. Part 1 of this report summarizes case study from three local government areas into a number of principles and recommendations. Part 2 outlines the consultation process and the issues associated with young people's use of community space. Part 3 examines the academic literature relevant to the use of community space by young people. Findings suggest that community space represents, for many young people, a place to express themselves without close parental or adult control at little or no cost. It is important for socializing and relaxation. Young people are more likely to use community space in disadvantaged areas where fewer other facilities are available. Conflicts arise when managers of shopping centers and other community areas think that young people are not making appropriate use of the space. A review of options to improve these problems leads to the suggestion that an approach in which all young people are viewed as legitimate members of the community holds the greatest promise for addressing issues associated with the use young people make of community space. Some specific recommendations are made for local and urban planning. Appendixes contain statistical information on the case study areas, a list of those consulted, and the interview questions. (Contains 6 tables and 45 references.) (SLD)