National youth charity OnSide has submitted a planning application to Preston City Council for a multi-million pound Youth Zone for Preston’s young people.

Subject to plans being approved, Preston Youth Zone will be built on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street, directly opposite the Bus Station.

Youth Zones are state-of-the-art spaces staffed by youth workers who believe in young people and help them to achieve their potential.

Open seven days a week, Preston Youth Zone will offer members the opportunity to access 20 activities each night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing to creative arts, music, drama and employability training. Young people will also be able to access support from dedicated youth workers – all for 50p per visit and £5 annual membership.

Preston Youth Zone will be an independent local charity based on OnSide’s successful model, which has seen the charity develop 14 similar Youth Zones across the country, supporting 50,000 young people.

The Youth Zone’s capital and revenue costs will be met by a number of financial contributions from Preston City Council, the Towns Fund, various charitable trust and foundation grant funding bodies and from the private sector.

Prior to opening, OnSide will work with the new Youth Zone to fundraise for the remaining building costs and the first three years running costs from a combination of private sector and philanthropic contributions.

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Adam Poyner, Head of Property and Construction for OnSide, said: “We are delighted to be able to submit our full planning application to Preston City Council revealing the final designs for the Youth Zone in Preston.

“This is a very exciting milestone for all the project partners involved and, most importantly, for the young people of Preston.”

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John Chesworth, Executive Chairman of Harrison Drury Solicitors and Chair of the Preston Towns Fund Board, added: “Preston Youth Zone is one of the key projects within the Towns Fund investment programme, which is focussing on the regeneration of the Harris Quarter.

“Not only will it have a physical impact, but its social and economic value will also be key. As with other similar Youth Zones in Lancashire, we have seen their tremendous impact in engaging young people and helping them reach their potential. It’ll be an important asset and much-needed facility for the city.”

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