Financial support has been agreed to support plans for a new youth centre in Bristol. Councillors have approved a full business case for the proposed facility in the south of the city, on a site close to the roundabout which connects Hengrove Way and Hartcliffe Way.
If it secures planning approval, the ‘Youth Zone’ building would be run by local charity Youth Moves and developed by national group OnSide, which has already established 14 similar hubs across the country.
Plans include for the centre to be more open every night and for more than 40 hours a week, allowing young people to access more than 20 activities, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training.
A £5 annual membership will be charged for the scheme or 50p per visit, with fees waived where this is unaffordable.
Youth Moves said the building would allow it to support an additional 4,000 young people and recruit more youth workers to enhance its services.
Bristol City Council cabinet members have now agreed to contribute £400,000 towards the annual £1.4m running costs of the building. The council said it had committed to contributing to half of construction costs and the creation of an entrance onto the site.
Alistair Dale, chief executive of Youth Moves, said: "We are really excited by the support we are getting for the Youth Zone, from the council, other partners and, of course, from young people in south Bristol. We want to ensure young people have the opportunities they deserve and being able to increase the number of youth workers in the city will mean they will also get the level of support they so desperately need."
OnSide chief executive Jamie Masraff added: “Being able to work alongside Youth Moves to develop a Youth Zone for South Bristol’s young people is really exciting.
“It is such a fantastic charity and we believe that a Youth Zone will enable its brilliant team to really increase what it offers to young people. Having the Council finalise its commitment is a huge step forward, with the next being the decision on our planning application.”
Cllr Asher Craig, deputy mayor with responsibility for children's services, education and equalities, said: “This cabinet decision is a significant step towards creating a safe and inclusive place for young people in Bristol that they deserve.
“The Youth Zone will bring ambition and regeneration through significant investment to the south of the city and will offer world-class facilities, engaging activities and practical support for local children and families. We’re looking forward to working with partners to make this vision a reality.”
Youth Moves is currently forming a Young People’s Development Group, a group of local young people which will be involved in key decisions for the Youth Zone, from its branding to interviewing potential staff members
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