Supporters celebrate groundbreaking on 224 Youth Zone site

On 5 December local supporters, partners and young people all came together on the 224 Youth Zone site, to celebrate the landmark moment of work beginning.

Also attending were 224 Youth Zone Ambassadors Ellis Genge, Geoff Barrow and Paul Holbrook who are wholeheartedly behind the Youth Zone.

Geoff Barrow, Portishead band member and music producer, said:

“Without the local youth club to rehearse at and DJ, things would have been very different in my musical life so I understand how vital these new facilities – alongside great youth work – will be to local kids in helping them to engage with their creative talent.”

Guests heard speeches from Heather Frankham (Chair of Youth Moves), young people from The Young People’s Development Group (who play a pivotal role in developing the Youth Zone) and Hannah Woodhouse (Executive Director of the Children and Education Directorate at Bristol City Council). Guests were updated on the progress of the construction and given insight into what this amazing place will bring to the communities of South Bristol, and across the city.

Also speaking at the event was Bristol Bears and England rugby star Ellis Genge, who said:

“I grew up about 400m away and, as a local lad, this organisation means the world to me.  I genuinely don’t think people understand the challenges of being a youngster from Knowle. I had to travel over an hour every single week to get to training at Westbury for Bristol and it was hard. Having a space like this will provide youngsters with opportunity and, who knows, hopefully we find a few more diamonds in the West, and see them playing for Bristol in the future!”

The £11m facility is being made possible thanks to private and public sector contributions to the capital costs, including Bristol City Council (BCC), the Government’s Youth Investment Fund and St James Place Charitable Foundation. BCC will also contribute towards the Youth Zone’s annual revenue costs for the first three years.

Cllr Rob Logan, ward member for Filwood, BCC said:

“The new 224 Youth Zone is a vote of confidence in the future, and in Bristol’s amazing young people. It will be a destination of choice for young people from across South Bristol and will be something the whole community is engaged with and can be proud of.”

The name “224” stands for 2day, 2morrow, 4ever with the tagline “What you do today will affect you tomorrow and impact you forever”, signifying the Youth Zone’s ongoing commitment to being a reliable, long-term support system for young people in South Bristol and across the city.

We are developing 224 in partnership with award-winning local charity Youth Moves and Bristol City Council. The facility will enable Youth Moves, who will run the centre, to support an additional 4,000 young people in Bristol, aged between eight and 19, or up to age 25 for those with additional needs.

Construction of 224 is due to be completed in Spring 2026, and the Youth Zone will be based on 15 similar OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will offer young people exciting opportunities to explore their potential, alongside highly skilled youth workers who will guide and support them with whatever challenges they may face.

The Youth Zone’s facilities will be first-rate: young people will be able to access over 20 activities every evening, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.

Guy Cowper, Youth Moves Interim CEO said:

“This groundbreaking is fantastic news for the young people in South Bristol. What we can see here is the next phase of so much work by so many people to bring an incredible Youth Zone to Bristol.

“The Youth Zone will give thousands of young people the opportunity to make new friends, discover new passions and continue to be supported by dedicated youth workers. 224 will continue to work in collaboration with our partners in the South Bristol Youth and Play Alliance to support the fantastic youth work they do. It is important to remember that through these positive partnerships, the new Youth Zone will not detract from current youth provision, but rather, enhance it to provide even more opportunities for young people in the area.”

Guests were kept warm by delicious cakes, tea and coffee from Double Puc Café and were welcomed by 224’s Young People’s Development Group, a dedicated team of local young people who have been – and will continue to be – central in shaping the vision for the Youth Zone. Over the past 18 months, this group has played a pivotal role in making key decisions for the project including the development of the 224 branding.

Lily Woston and Ruby Miles from the Young People’s Development Group said:

“We really want this Youth Zone because Youth Moves is not only a big part of our lives but so many other young peoples’ too. Having this Youth Zone means thousands more young people will be able to access a variety of opportunities and support from Youth Workers that we have received from being at Youth Moves.”

The 224 Youth Zone aims to create strong community connections and partnerships to deliver a vibrant and inclusive programme for the area’s young people. By bringing together supporters and the local community, it aims to enhance its exciting and diverse delivery programme.

With this in mind, 224 is excited to announce three new partners Bristol Sport Group, Bristol Young Carers and WECIL who will work with the 224 team and their existing partners Off The Record and The Cause, in supporting young people to discover a wide range of sporting and creative activities.

This collaboration of partners will enable young people to access mental health guidance, creative hobbies, sports and the opportunity to try new things.

Joss Tagg, Young Carers Service Manager at Bristol Young Carers said:

“The Young Carers Service are really looking forward to working with Youth Moves and 224. This amazing new facility will provide the opportunity for Young Carers to get a break from caring in a safe space. A place they can also access amazing opportunities and connect with other services.”

The addition of WECIL will further strengthen the inclusion programme and play a pivotal role in ensuring young people with additional needs are included and feel welcomed.

Dominic Ellison, CEO at WECIL said:

“Partnering with Youth Moves to shape 224 Youth Zone into a beacon of accessibility and inclusion is a fantastic opportunity to ensure Disabled children and young people in South Bristol can fully participate and reach their potential. This partnership is about more than just breaking down barriers—it’s about building a space where every young person feels confident, empowered, and inspired to achieve their best.”

The Bristol Sport Group, which includes Bristol Bears, Bristol City and Bristol Flyers is known for its leadership in community sports development through the work of its associated foundations.

Gavin Marshall, CEO of Bristol Sport Group, said

“We are delighted to partner with 224 and look forward to helping this venue become a key hub in the community.

“All children should have the opportunity to enjoy sport in a safe and welcoming environment and we look forward to seeing this Youth Zone develop into a successful space for youngsters to enjoy and explore their sporting potential.”

For more information and to get in touch, visit www.youthmoves224.org