Work has started on Preston’s Youth Zone.
Preston City Council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead to the three-storey building which will sit between Tithebarn Street, Crooked Lane and Lord Street, opposite the city’s bus station, in July last year.
The site is now fenced off, with preliminary archaeological works taking place, and building work set to start next month. Several mature trees have been removed from the site, which was previously a green city centre cut-through.
Preston Youth Zone CEO Tim Jacques said: “This has been a long time coming for Preston and it’s really exciting that we’ll soon see the building taking shape. A huge thank you must go to all of our fantastic supporters including Preston City Council who have made this possible. We are still speaking to lots of people and local businesses about getting involved too.”
Facilities in the Youth Zone, which is being developed by national charity OnSide, include a sports hall, music room with built-in recording studio, climbing wall, 3G pitch, media suite, gym, boxing and martial arts, performing arts studio, a café serving hot meals for just £1 and much more.
Young people aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs, will pay just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Young people across the city are currently voting on a brand for the new Youth Zone, with a young people’s development group coming up with two options: Base or Vault. You can find out more here: https://www.onsideyouthzones.org/prestonvote/. Voting closes next Friday with the result announced in June.
See the progress by clicking on the pages below.
3. The site in Lord Street, is protected by metal fencing.
The site in Lord Street, is protected by metal fencing. Photo: Neil Cross
4. The site is within walking distance of Preston Bus Station.
The site is within walking distance of Preston Bus Station. Photo: Neil Cross