Location of South Bristol’s Youth Zone confirmed

The location of our new Youth Zone in South Bristol has been confirmed, subject to planning and further investigations, following a Bristol City Council cabinet meeting last night. 

Councillors gave the green light for the £8.4million Youth Zone in South Bristol to be built on the undeveloped land close to the roundabout which connects Hengrove Way and Hartcliffe Way, as well as formally agreeing to provide £4.2m towards the construction costs. 

We have formed a new partnership for the project with award-winning south Bristol youth work charity, Youth Moves, and Bristol City Council to use their combined experience and skills to dramatically expand the opportunities available to young people in the area. Youth Move aims to inspire young people from across south Bristol through delivering outstanding youth work. 

Expected to open in 2024, South Bristol Youth Zone will become part of Youth Moves’ existing operations, as well our National Network of Youth Zones, with Youth Moves committed to working alongside other youth organisations to deliver a rich and diverse offer for south Bristol’s young people at this new and exciting centre. 

Every new Youth Zone we build informs the next. South Bristol’s Youth Zone will be developed with the knowledge we’ve acquired from building the existing 14 Youth Zones in the Network. It will be an incredible new space for the local community filled with energy, inspiration, and highly-skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people. Open over 40 hours a week, young people will be able to access over 20 activities every night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit. 

Alistair Dale, CEO of Youth Moves, said:

“Youth Moves are delighted that with this decision, this fantastic new centre for South Bristol’s young people has moved a step closer to becoming a reality. The opportunities that a Youth Zone can provide not only for the young people who will access them, but also for new jobs and the wider community are amazing. We have seen this on our visits to Youth Zones elsewhere in the country and now can’t wait to build an offer with partners for our own young people of South Bristol.” 

The Youth Zone’s location has been specifically chosen because of its accessibility to all young people aged between eight and 19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs) across south Bristol. 

Our Chief Executive, Kathryn Morley said:

“This is a fantastic milestone for South Bristol’s Youth Zone and an exciting one for young people in the city. Youth Zones provide young people with the opportunity to discover new passions, make friends and thrive in an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and exciting. We are delighted to partner with Youth Moves, which has a fabulous reputation and standing within the community, and we are also very grateful to Bristol City Council for its incredible commitment to young people.” 

As well as providing £4.2m towards the building costs, Bristol City Council will also contribute £400,000 towards the Youth Zone’s annual £1.3m running costs. We are looking for the support of local businesses, philanthropists and the local community to get behind the new Youth Zone, working with Youth Moves to raise the remaining costs to give thousands of young people the chance to discover what they’ve got and where it could take them.  

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said:

“I am really pleased that Bristol City Council, working in partnership with OnSide and Youth Moves, will be able to provide this world-class Youth Zone facility in South Bristol. We are ambitious for our city’s children and young people. By providing accessible and affordable activities, this new Youth Zone in South Bristol will be a dedicated space where they can play, learn, grow and socialise, helping them to develop life skills and resilience.” 

A Young People’s Development Group will also be established, which will be involved in key decisions for the Youth Zone, from branding the Youth Zone to interviewing potential staff members. For more information about this, email enquiries@onsideyouthzones.org. 

The next stage of the Youth Zone’s development will see plans drawn up and a planning application submitted. Ahead of this though, there will be an opportunity for local residents to take part in a pre-planning application consultation later in the autumn.