Over 3,000 Barnsley young people choose Base71 as Barnsley Youth Zone’s name

More than 3,000 young people across Barnsley have voted to name the town’s new Youth Zone ‘Base71’.

The state-of-the art new youth centre, which is currently under construction, will offer a safe and vibrant space for young people aged 8-19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), through a range of opportunities and youth worker support seven days a week. Packed with over 20 activities every night, ranging from sports to creative arts and employability training, it’s set to transform opportunities for Barnsley’s young people.

The name ‘Base71’ emerged from a public vote after the Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group (a group of local young volunteers helping to shape Barnsley’s Youth Zone) collaborated with design agency Bird to create an exciting new brand.

Two brand concepts were put forward: ‘Base71’ and ‘The Den’. The public vote, which involved both presentations across a number of local schools and an online vote, saw Barnsley’s young people overwhelmingly chose ‘Base71.’

The name reflects young people’s deep sense of pride in their local area, with S71 representing the Youth Zone’s postcode, and ‘Base’ symbolising a safe space and welcoming home where young people can feel secure, supported, and inspired. The design further adds to this, with a bold, retro feel that’s full of personality,  graffiti influences, giving it an edgy, urban twist and wording set on a slant, so it reflects motion and growth while looking eye-catching and lively.

Base71’s Young People’s Development Group has played a crucial role in shaping the Youth Zone every step of the way. From co-developing the brand to making key decisions about interior design and staff recruitment, they’ve been at the heart of the project.

Commenting, Alice, 18, who is a member of the Young People’s Development Group group said:

“I’m extremely happy that Base71 has won. I’m thankful to have been part of the brand development process as it has added experience I wouldn’t have got otherwise. I’ve learned new things about what it takes to make a brand and what makes a good brand. It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve met new people and done things I wouldn’t have believed I could do. It’s been awesome.”

Commenting on the process, Rachel Simpson from Bird Design and Branding said

“We loved working the young people to develop the new brand for the Youth Zone, Base71. It was amazing to see their pride and passion for Barnsley and this clearly shows in the route that was chosen.”

Mandy Carlson, Base71’s CEO said:

“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for Base71 and for Barnsley. The name ‘Base71’ perfectly reflects our vision of a safe, supportive space created by young people, for young people. It’s a brand that captures their energy, creativity, and ambition, and I couldn’t be prouder of the Young People’s Development Group for their hard work and dedication in shaping this project. Their involvement has ensured that Base71 will be a place where young people feel they belong – a hub of opportunity, inspiration, and growth right in the heart of Barnsley. We’re thrilled to see their vision come to life, and this is just the beginning of what we’ll achieve together.”

Once opened, Base71 will become part of our growing Network of 15 existing OnSide Youth Zones which support over 50,000 young people every year. With a membership fee of just £5 per year and 50p per visit, Base71 will offer Barnsley’s young people aged 8 to 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) access to world-class facilities. These include an indoor climbing wall, four-court sports hall, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, and more.

Base71’s dedicated team of trained youth workers and volunteers will be available seven days a week, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to help young people thrive.

In addition to empowering Barnsley’s young people, Base71 will create jobs, boost volunteering opportunities, and become a cornerstone of the community.

For more information about Base71, its progress, and the activities planned, visit https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/youth-zones/barnsley-youth-zone/