Construction Commences on £11m Youth Zone in Bristol

Work has commenced on a new youth facility costing £11 million, which its proponents have described as a “vote of confidence” in the city’s “amazing young people”. This facility, named the 224 Youth Zone, is under construction in Knowle West, Bristol, and is projected to serve as many as 4,000 children and young people. Filwood councillor Lisa Durston commented that the locality had previously been neglected, adding: “This is a significant step forward for the whole area.” The completion of the centre is anticipated in Spring 2026. It will feature a sports hall, a boxing club, an arts and crafts room, and a media and technology suite. Operation of the 224 Youth Zone will be handled by Youth Moves, a local award-winning charity, while its development is managed by OnSide, a national charity responsible for establishing 15 comparable youth centres nationwide. Geoff Barrow of Portishead stated: “Without the local youth club to rehearse at and DJ, things would have been very different in my musical life.” He continued: “So I understand how vital these new facilities alongside great youth work will be to local kids, helping them to engage with their creative talent.” Matt Justice, the recently appointed CEO, described the new location as “transformative, safe, and inspiring.” He further remarked: “If you don’t give young people a safe space to go where they feel like they belong outside of school, it has detrimental effects.” The centre plans to provide integrated youth work, in addition to various services, accessible for an annual membership fee of £5 and a charge of 50p per visit. Although the facility is primarily intended for individuals aged eight to 19, Mr Justice confirmed it will also accommodate those with additional needs up to the age of 25. Funding for the site’s construction includes £9 million from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, supplemented by contributions from Bristol City Council and St James’ Place Charitable Foundation. Bristol City Council will also contribute to the operational expenses for the initial three years. Filwood councillor Rob Logan stated: “The new 224 Youth Zone is 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.” To commemorate the commencement of construction, partners, supporters, and young people were invited to visit the site on Thursday. Guy Power, interim CEO of Youth Moves, commented: “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.” For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.