Construction underway at Barnsley Youth Zone

Construction is now underway on Barnsley Youth Zone with young people, Barnsley Council and other supporters gathering for a special groundbreaking ceremony.

Preparatory work began on site earlier this year for the new building, which will be located in Barnsley Town Centre on the Eastern Gateway, on Schwabisch Gmund Way, opposite Barnsley railway station.

The Youth Zone will be run as an independent charity, within our ever-growing Network with 15 similar centres in operation across the UK.

Barnsley Youth Zone will be the first in Yorkshire and is a unique partnership of the private sector, local authority, young people (via their £5 membership and 50p admission fees) and the community that forms a dynamic four-way, inter-connecting relationship. This will not only drive the success of the Youth Zone but will ensure its sustainability.

The Youth Zone will be open seven days a week, offering young people aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.

The charity also recently welcomed its CEO, Mandy Carlson, who spoke of her pride at taking on the role and seeing building commence. She said:

“It’s brilliant that construction is now underway for Barnsley Youth Zone and a huge moment for everyone involved. Being from Barnsley, I’m really proud to be the Chief Executive of this charity which will change the lives of thousands of young people from the town.”

Our CEO, Jamie Masraff, said:

“We are very excited to break ground on Yorkshire’s first OnSide Youth Zone. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our brilliant supporters, including Barnsley Council, who have got us to this point. Ahead of opening next year, we’ll be looking to work with the town’s brilliant business community as we extend our growing Founder Patron family.

“Barnsley Youth Zone will provide young people with incredible opportunities and access to trained youth workers who believe in them and their potential.”

The Youth Zone will have a wide range of facilities including a four-court sports hall, gym, mentoring kitchen, music room with built in recording studio, boxing gym, arts and crafts space, media suite, performing arts studio, climbing wall and much more.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, added:

“I’m delighted that construction is now underway in bringing a Youth Zone to Barnsley.

“Barnsley Youth Zone will be a fantastic addition to our redeveloped town centre, not only adding to its continuing development and growth but also providing outstanding facilities for young people, supporting them to be the best they can be.

“As we work to make Barnsley the Place of Possibilities, the Youth Zone will provide young people with a place to make new friends, build positive relationships with supportive adults, and learn new skills. All of this will help build the confidence they need to grow into happy, healthy and successful young adults.”

A young people’s development group has also been set up to make a number of key decisions on the Youth Zone and will soon begin its branding process. For more information or to get involved, email sean.greaves@onsideyouthzones.org.