A state-of-the-art Youth Zone in South Bristol has been approved by Bristol City Council. Plans for the youth club, organised by youth charity OnSide, were submitted last year and it is now expected to open in 2025. Providing local young people with a range of activities, from sports to creative arts and employment training, it aims to help them “develop their skills and reach their full potential.”
It will be built close to the roundabout that connects Hengrove Way and Hartcliffe Way near Knowle West, joining a network of 14 Youth Zone charities across the UK. OnSide will also work in partnership with many of the area’s other youth providers, as well as local businesses and communities – and anyone interested in helping out is encouraged to get in touch.
“This is amazing news and a huge step forward to having an incredible Youth Zone for the young people of south Bristol,” said Youth Moves CEO Alistair Dale, who will oversee the Youth Zone’s operations once open. “Partnering with OnSide to deliver this will hugely enhance what we at Youth Moves are able to offer young people in the area.”
“It means we’ll be able to add to our brilliant team of dedicated and talented youth workers who are changing lives every day. Being able to deliver on a much larger scale from a Youth Zone setting, working alongside our local partners, will be a huge benefit to everyone and will mean we can reach so many more young people in the process.”
It estimates that 4,000 young people from South Bristol will sign up in the first year. Aimed at young people aged eight to 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs, South Bristol’s Youth Zone will open seven days per week. Members will have the opportunity to access over 20 activities, including football, boxing, climbing, art, music, drama and employability training.
Membership will cost just 50p per visit or £5 per annual membership, and will also include dedicated youth worker support. One of the Youth Zone’s key features will be the relationships its youth work staff garner with young people to support them. Over the next two years, the team at Youth Moves will work to grow the team, provide a range of roles and job opportunities for people and make a difference in the lives of young people.
Asher Craig, Bristol Deputy Mayor said: “This planning permission is another positive step towards the development of our new Youth Zone. It’s great news for the children and young people of Bristol who I know are going to benefit massively by having this brand-new, state-of-the-art youth facility in south Bristol.”