Salford Youth Zone: planning application for new facility for young people submitted to council

If the plans get approval, it is hoped work will start on the multi-million-pound facility in August 2023 with a planned completion date of late 2024.
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Plans for a spectacular new facility for young people in Salford have taken a major step forward after a planning application was submitted to the council.

Proposals for the multi-million-pound Salford Youth Zone, which it is hoped will give young people access to everything from top sports facilities to arts and culture training, have been lodged with the planning department at Salford City Council.

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The building is planned for a prominent location in the Pendleton area near the University of Salford and, should the council approve the plan, it could be finished by the end of 2024.

A Manchester youth charity which already runs a youth zone in the city has teamed up with the national charity promoting the state-of-the-art youth facilities to try to bring the concept to Salford.

What is Salford Youth Zone and where are we up to with the plans?

The plans for Salford Youth Zone have now been submitted to Salford City Council. Manchester charity HideOut Youth Zone, which runs a similar facility in Gorton, has teamed up with national youth charity OnSide to bring the idea of the youth zone to Salford.

If the development gets the green light, it is hoped work will start in August 2023 with a tentative completion date of late in 2024 pencilled in. The site which has been earmarked for the youth zone is adjacent to Belvedere Road and Broadwalk in Pendleton, just off the A6.

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Youth Zones are state-of-the-art spaces for young people staffed by youth workers which aim to help the next generation achieve their potential. The Salford facility, if it gets the go-ahead, will be open seven days a week and will put on 20 activities each night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing to artistic and creative pastimes like music and drama. There will also be employability training.

HideOut Youth Zone in GortonHideOut Youth Zone in Gorton
HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton

Young people will be supported by the youth workers on site and joining the youth zone will cost just £5 for the year plus 50p per visit.

The Salford and Gorton sites would be managed by a single umbrella charity fitting into OnSide’s network. There are currently five youth zones along OnSide’s model in Greater Manchester, with the others besides the Gorton one being Manchester Youth Zone in Harpurhey, Mahdlo in Oldham, Wigan Youth Zone and Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

There will be contributions to the cost of building the youth zone from both the council and Salford-born businessman Fred Done. Other private sector partners and local philanthropists who would like to be involved are currently being sought.

What has been said about Salford Youth Zone?

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Adam Farricker, CEO of HideOut Youth Zone, said: “Following feedback from local residents and young people gathered during our consultation period, we are delighted to be able to submit our full planning application to Salford City Council.

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

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett:, said: “Having personally seen the success of HideOut Youth Zone and the incredible impact on young people in the area, I believe Salford Youth Zone will be a vital asset and much-needed facility in our city.

“This planning application submission, should it be approved, is the start of what I’m sure will be a great investment in the future of Salford.”