News / South Bristol
Plans to create ‘world-class’ youth centre in south Bristol
Young people in south Bristol will be asked to take a leading role in the design of a new multi-million-pound facility for the area.
Plans for the South West’s first dedicated ‘youth zone’ have been welcomed as an opportunity to tackle some of the existing inequalities in the city and provide a safe, aspirational space for children, teenagers and young adults.
It is not yet known exactly where the £8.4m centre will be located but a site is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks after Bristol City Council’s cabinet agreed to support the venture and stump up half of the funds needed to get it off the ground.
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National youth charity OnSide Youth Zones will be responsible for delivering the project and sourcing additional funding, while award-winning Knowle West charity Youth Moves will take on the running of the facility.
The south Bristol youth zone will be the first of its kind in the South West – photo courtesy of OnSide Youth Zones
Helen Godwin, Bristol’s cabinet member for women and children, described the new youth zone as “one of the best things to happen to the children and young people in our city for years”.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, she said: “For too long we have talked about the inequalities in opportunity, attainment and resources in south Bristol and it is my sincere wish that our investment in a multi-million-pound project will be part of a series of measures that will give young people in the south of the city a sense that they are heard, that they are valued and that their future here in Bristol is bright.”
In addition to the setup cost, Bristol City Council has committed £400,000 towards the annual £1.3m running costs, with hopes some of this will come from the government’s youth investment fund.
OnSide has committed to raising the remaining development costs and will fundraise for the first three years from a combination of private sector contributions and accessing charitable trusts and grants.
The south Bristol model will replicate 14 similar youth zones in the UK and the aim is to offer a range of more than 20 activities each night, from football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training.
It will be open to those aged eight to 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs and will cost 50p per visit.
Youth Moves has been working in south Bristol for 15 years – photo by Youth Moves
Youth Moves CEO Alistair Dale said in the 15 years the charity has been working in south Bristol, it has helped support thousands of young people.
“We are delighted to be partnering with OnSide to bring this world-class youth work facility to south Bristol, which we know will make a huge difference to the lives of so many young people and to the wider community,” said Alistair.
“This is especially important at this time to show young people and the area that we are investing in their futures, and to enable us to reach many more young people in the years to come.”
Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide Youth Zones added:: “The council’s decision to support plans for a youth zone in south Bristol is wonderful news that will transform thousands of young lives.
“This is an historic moment for OnSide as we begin work on the first South West Youth Zone. Youth Moves has a well-earned reputation for supporting young people in the area and will help to maximise collaborative opportunities.”
The new centre will offer some 20 activities every night – photo courtesy of OnSide Youth Zones
Three potential sites for the youth zone have been identified. Once selected, the land will be gifted to the charity by Bristol City Council and OnSide will begin the process of submitting a planning application.
A young people’s development group will then be established to make key decisions for the youth zone, from naming the centre to interviewing potential staff members.
Main photo by Youth Moves
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