Preston Youth Zone
National Youth Charity, Onside, have submitted a planning application to Preston City Council for a multi-million pound Youth Zone for Preston's young people.
Subject to plans being approved, Preston Youth Zone will be a state-of-the-art facility for young people aged 8 - 19 years old with the simple aim to provide young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. The proposed building would be built on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street, directly opposite the bus station.
Open 7 days a week, Preston Youth Zone will offer members the opportunity to access 20 activities each night ranging from sports such as:
- football
- boxing
- climbing
- creative arts
- music
- drama
- employment training
Young people will also be able to access support from dedicated youth workers - all for just 50p per visit and £5 annual membership.
The Youth Zone aims to support around 4,000 young people and create 70 permanent jobs (including 35 full time equivalent positions). Preston Youth Zone will be an independent local charity based on Onside's successful model, joining a national network of 14 similar Youth Zones across the country, supporting 50,000 young people.
The Youth Zone's capital and revenue costs will be met by a number of financial contributions from Preston City Council, the Town's Fund, various charitable trust and foundation grant funding bodies and from the private sector. Prior to opening, Onside 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 and philanthropic contributions.
To find out more about Youth Zones please visit OnSide Youth Zones.