Teens welcome plans for 'world class' youth centre

Teenagers in Wakefield say they are "excited" by the prospect of the new £15m youth centre for the city

As Wakefield Council approves plans to build a "world-class" youth centre in the city, teenagers in the district have been sharing their hopes for the £15m facility. Known as the Youth Zone, councillors gave the go-ahead on Tuesday, describing it as a "once in a generation investment".

"I think there would be fewer people messing around and bothering neighbourhoods," says Alexander about the planned Youth Zone.

"It would give them something to do and be passionate about."

Having played football as part of a team for more than half his life, the 13-year-old understands how important it is for young people to have their own spaces.

"When you can just be with your friends, you can feel comfortable being who you are.

"You can just do what you want and have a laugh."

Wakefield Council is to use £15.2m of government Levelling Up funding to deliver the project, which will be developed in partnership with national charity OnSide.

Approving the Youth Zone, councillors said the plans had been given the go-ahead after a consultation with young people across the district.

Expected to open in late 2028, the centre would "complement existing services" already provided by the authority and the voluntary sector, councillors said.

Alex hopes a nature space and reading area will be included in the Youth Zone

When he is not training or playing in matches, Alexander spends his free time cycling to the local park to spend time with friends.

As well as a cycling track, Alexander says he would like to see a quiet space connected to nature to be incorporated into the new centre.

"I think it would be nice and it would distract people from when they are sad or something bad is happening in their life."

The proposed Youth Zone will offer a range of activities for eight to 19-year-olds so they can learn new skills and meet friends.

Amelia says the idea of making new friends is "exciting".

"It would be nice for people to just go and enjoy themselves".

The 13-year-old Girl Guide would like to see a dance studio in the youth centre, complete with mirrored walls and a barre for ballet.

"I feel like it will give [young people] places to go experiment with new hobbies and just make friends."

'New hobbies, new friends'

Land on Ings Road has been approved for the youth centre.

It is expected between 700 and 1,400 people will visit each week, able to choose from a minimum of 20 activities every day.

Councillors said a visit to the centre would cost around 50p.

"It is kind of exciting", says Rosie.

Without any particular hobbies, the 13-year-old says she mostly spends her time outside of school "hanging out with friends".

But as the summer sunshine slips into an autumn chill, places to do that become limited.

"We normally go to parks and fields; it would be nice to have some arcade games and a cinema and reading centre."

Teenagers in Wakefield have said they would love to make new friends and learn new hobbies at the Youth Zone

As a gymnast and football player, 13-year-old Callie already sees much of her free time taken up by sport at competition level.

The teenager says she would love to try a new hobby at the youth centre without any pressure.

"You could have a bit of fun while doing it and it would not be all serious all the time", she says.

"I can try new things and they might be things I have never done before but I will just give it a go and I might find that I actually enjoy it."

Evie, also 13, says she hopes the youth centre will improve her weekends.

"I am always bored on a Saturday," she says.

"I get told to be quiet because I am too loud and if there is just another place that you can go and just be loud and do what you want it will be very fun.

"It would be nice to go and just be yourself."

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