Council plans 'world-class' £15m youth centre
The Youth Zone will provide leisure facilities and give visitors the chance to learn new skills
- Published
A "world-class" £15m leisure and social facility for young people is set to be built in Wakefield city centre, a council has said.
The proposed Youth Zone would offer a range of activities for eight to 19-year-olds who can learn new skills, meet friends and "achieve their full potential".
Wakefield Council is planning to use £15.2m in government Levelling Up funding for the project, which would be developed in partnership with national charity OnSide.
A charity spokesperson said: "A Youth Zone in Wakefield would be truly transformational for the city's children and young people, bringing new opportunities and experiences to help them grow, connect and gain skills."
It is expected between 700 and 1,400 people would visit the Youth Zone each week.
It would offer a minimum of 20 activities every day and be open from 08:00 to 22:00.
The council said land on Ings Road could be used for the youth centre.
Margaret Isherwood, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This is about having a fantastic wow-factor venue shaped by the young people, where they can feel safe and get high-quality support, while having fun and socialising.
"It will offer the opportunity to learn new skills and improve their employability as well as improving their health and wellbeing."
The council said the new venue could be built on Ings Road in the city centre
Senior councillors are expected to approve the plans at a meeting on 16 September, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
A similar facility, also in conjunction with OnSide, is set to open in Barnsley in early 2026.
Base71 will have an indoor climbing wall, a four-court sports hall, a fitness suite, a boxing and martial arts room and a rooftop football pitch, and is part of Barnsley Council's Great Childhoods Ambition programme.
Base71 is a reference to the youth centre's postcode, with the word Base "symbolising a safe space and welcoming home where young people can feel secure", said OnSide.
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