Preston Youth Zone has secured £6.2 million in funding from the Youth Investment Fund initiative set up by the Government.
The new Youth Zone will include a gymnasium, a music room with a recording studio, 1:1 counselling, project rooms for employability skills and much more.
The building is expected to open in late 2024 on the corner of Crooked Lane and will look the private sector and philanthropic contributions to cover annual running costs.
The chair of Preston Youth Zone, Guy Topping said: “This major investment will provide young people with incredible opportunities to find their voice, increase their confidence and gain new skills.”
Mr Topping added: “I want to thank OnSide for their continued support and the DCMS for showing their belief in the Youth Zone and Preston’s young people.”
The DCMS aims to give £300 million to allow areas to build, renovate or extend youth service facilities, providing over 45,000 positive activities for children aged 11 to 18.
So far, £90 million has been granted to 43 organisations with the £300 million being made available to 600 district wards.
Chief Executive of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips said: “It has been an ambition of the city to see a Youth Zone in Preston for over 10 years.”
If On side’s plan for building is accepted, then building is set to commence in October of 2023 and set to be completed in late 2024.
By Kobe Cressey