London youth zone gets go-ahead

The facility, set to be built in Barking and Dagenham, will offer a wide range of activities for young people seven days a week when it opens in 2018. Building work is set to get under way later this year.

OnSide Youth Zones, which has been developing the project, said it wants it to be as successful as other youth zones that have opened around the country in recent years. There are currently a number of youth zones in the pipeline for boroughs in the capital, but OnSide has said the Barking facility is set to be the first to open its doors to young people. 

It will offer activities including dance, sport, art, music, drama, media, employability and mentoring programmes which will be led by experienced youth workers. Young people will pay a £5 annual membership fee, and 50p for each visit.

Two charities - the Jack Petchey Foundation and The Queen's Trust - have contributed £1.5m to the estimated £6m total cost. OnSide has said it will raise the remainder of the running costs through private sector philanthropy, local business support and other funders. The Queen's Trust is also contributing £200,000 towards the £1m running costs.

Young people in the area voted to name the youth zone "Future".

Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell welcomed the news of the development of the youth zone.

He said: "We have listened to the residents who have asked for something for young people to do."

"Future will give our young people a place to meet friends, learn new things and be safe."

Nicola Brentnall, director of The Queen's Trust, said the youth zone will bring together "fantastic facilities" in sports, music and more for young people in the area.

Charles Mendenhall, chair of Future Youth Zone, said it will offer young people a "safe and inspiring place to spend their leisure time".

OnSide currently has a further 12 youth zones at various stages of planning, and has recently struck agreements with Barnet and Croydon councils to develop two more.