Appeal for young people to get involved with the development of Basildon Youth Zone

Basildon’s young people are being invited to get involved with the development of the borough’s new OnSide Youth Zone.

A planning application has now been submitted for the exciting £8.4million centre which is being developed by the national charity OnSide Youth Zones, in partnership with Basildon Council.

Youth Zones provide a safe and inspiring place for young people to spend their leisure time. Open seven days a week, Basildon Youth Zone will offer 20 activities each night ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just 50p per visit.

OnSide wants to involve Basildon’s young people from the very start of its development. They play a key role in shaping its identity by not just helping but also leading with key decisions.

The Young People’s Development Group’s first job is to name and brand the Youth Zone before going on to help with staff recruitment, support with fundraising and, crucially, be a voice for the young people of Basildon.

Phil Marsh, Openings Manager at OnSide Youth Zones, said: “A Young People’s Development Group is so important to a Youth Zone, helping to build its identity and put young people’s stamp on it – after all, this amazing building will be for them.

“The group will meet regularly and when we are able to, we will also make visits to other Youth Zones so they can see what is coming to Basildon. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to be involved with something really special and boost so many personal skills. If anyone wants to get involved, please email me at phil.marsh@onsideyouthzones.org.”

Basildon Youth Zone will operate as an independent local charity and will be built upon OnSide’s successful Youth Zone model, which has 14 similar centres operating across the country.

Basildon Youth Zone will cost an estimated £1.3million per year to run, of which Basildon Council will contribute £400,000 in addition to £4.1million towards the building costs. Prior to opening, OnSide Youth Zones will work with the new Youth Zone to fundraise for the remaining building costs and the first three years running costs from a combination of private sector contributions and accessing charitable trusts and grants.

For the FAQs on Basildon Youth Zone, click here