Town's new youth club gets name after public vote

Base71 is expected to open in January 2026

A new youth club in Barnsley will be known as Base71 after more than 3,000 young people voted for the name in a poll.

The two-storey building on Schwabisch Gmund Way will house sports halls, arts and crafts rooms, dance studios and music recording facilities as well as a rooftop football pitch.

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 a spokesperson for the charity OnSide, who are developing the centre.

Base71's CEO Mandy Carlson said the name "perfectly reflects our vision of a safe, supportive space created by young people, for young people".

A group of young volunteers worked with a design agency to come up with potential names for the venue, which is currently under construction with an estimated opening date of January 2026.

Among them was 18-year-old Alice, who said being part of the brand development process gave her "experience I wouldn't have got otherwise".

"I've learned new things about what it takes to make a brand and what makes a good brand.

"It's been an amazing experience. I've met new people and done things I wouldn't have believed I could do. It's been awesome."

Base71 will offer activities for young people aged eight to 19, as well as supporting those with additional needs up to the age of 25.

It will operate as independent charity run by youth workers and volunteers seven days a week.

The facility will cost an estimated £9.2m to build, with contributions coming from the council, the government and the private sector.

Barnsley Council is contributing £4.5m while online retailer ASOS, which has a warehouse in the town, is donating £1.2m.

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