Tilbury youth zone to offer sport, music and arts

A mentoring kitchen, as pictured at an existing Youth Zone, will feature in the centre for young people

A youth centre offering "world class facilities" seven days a week has been earmarked for a park in Essex.

Youth charity OnSide has received planning permission for its new Youth Zone, which it expects to open in Anchor Fields, Tilbury, in 2025.

It provides activities and support for eight to 19-year-olds, and up to aged 25 for those with additional needs.

Chief executive Jamie Masraff said Youth Zones were "amazing places that inspire young people".

"[We are] giving them opportunities to try new things, showcase their talents and make new friends," he added.

"It will also be packed with a team of brilliant and passionate local youth workers."

The centre will be built within Anchor Fields, near the existing children's centre

Boxing and martial arts facilities will be available at the Youth Zone

Conservative-led Thurrock Council will lease the site to the Youth Zone and, along with Tilbury Towns Fund Board, will contribute towards the building and running costs, the charity said.

Bolton-based OnSide will fundraise towards the remaining costs and the centre, once it opens, will be run as an independent, local charity, it added.

Annual membership will cost £5, plus 50p per visit, with young people able to access a sports hall, outdoor pitch, fitness suite and boxing and martial arts facilities.

The Youth Zone will also include a music room, recording studio, arts and crafts area, climbing wall, dance studio, sensory room and mentoring kitchen.

A café will offer hot meals for £1, OnSide said.

The centre will be part of a network of 14 similar Youth Zones in London, the west midlands and the north-west, with the national charity opening sites in Preston, Crewe and Bristol in 2025.