A place for between 1,500 to 2,000 children and young people in Preston and beyond to visit each week looks set to be given the green light.

Preston Youth Zone – which has been more than a decade in the making – would be built on land opposite Preston Bus Station in the shadow of the Guild Hall.

Councillors are set to hear the proposals from OnSide Youth Zone for a three-storey building in the patch of land between Tithebarn Street, Lord Street and Crooked Lane.

Read more: Park Hotel plans lodged for two apartment blocks and hotel restoration

The plans for the Youth Zone include a four-court sports hall, performance space, gym, kick-pitch, music room, arts and crafts room, mentoring kitchen, recreation space with cafe along with vehicle drop-off points and disabled parking bays.

One objection has been received to the Youth Zone proposals saying it is a ‘loss of green space and trees’ and the area risks becoming a ‘concrete jungle’.

Read more: First stage of Stoneygate redevelopment approved with Dryden Mill

Council officers are recommend approval for the plans saying it would be a ‘landmark building in a prominent location in the heart of the city centre’.

The Youth Zone is expected to open in late 2024 and the project has recently received a £6.2m Youth Investment Fund grant to help fund the new building.

Councillors will meet on Thursday at Preston City Council’s planning committee to hear the proposals.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines