Better Business / Member news
South Bristol councillors visit 224 Youth Zone site ahead of 2026 opening
Work continues to progress at 224 Youth Zone, South Bristol’s upcoming hub for young people, as local councillors were given a tour of the site this week to see the development first-hand.
On October 6, chief executive Matt Justice welcomed councillors from across South Bristol to view the site and receive updates on the project, which is set to open in spring 2026.
In attendance were councillor Susan Kollar (Bishopsworth and Youth Moves/224 trustee), councillor Rob Logan and councillor Lisa Durston (Filwood), councillor Kirsty Tait (Hartcliffe and Withywood), councillor Toby Wells (Knowle), councillor Tim Rippington and councillor Katja Hornchen (Brislington East), along with 224/Youth Moves trustees Jennifer O’Connell and Tina Bond.
The visit came at an exciting stage in the build, with interior spaces beginning to take shape, preliminary work on the climbing wall underway and major progress on the outdoor Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
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Councillors were able to see how the once-empty site is being transformed into a vibrant, world-class facility offering opportunities for young people across South Bristol.
“It was fantastic to visit the Youth Zone alongside fellow South Bristol councillors and see it coming to life,” said councillor Lisa Durston and councillor Rob Logan (Filwood ward).
“The facilities that 224 will offer young people are world-class. Affordable access to a climbing wall, gym, recording studio and more, combined with dedicated youth workers and a safe, welcoming space, will make a real difference in our community.
We’re also pleased to hear how 224 is already building partnerships with local schools and organisations to strengthen the opportunities available to young people across South Bristol.”
When complete, 224 Youth Zone will be open seven days a week, including during school holidays, offering up to 40 hours of activity per week and supporting 175 to 250 young people per session.
For an annual membership of just £5 and 50p per visit, young people aged 8 to 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs) will have access to more than 20 activities every evening, including music and creative arts, sports and fitness, enterprise and employability workshops, health and wellbeing programmes and hot meals for £1.
Inclusive sessions for SEND young people and young disabled people will also be part of the programme.
Funded and developed through the partnership between Youth Moves and OnSide, 224 Youth Zone has already received generous support from local businesses, trusts and foundations — including The Nisbet Trust, John James Bristol Foundation, Origin Foundation, Foundation for Children, The Pople Charitable Trust, Luncet Agency, OVO Energy and ComputerShare, as well as trustee Ian Chalmers.
Head of fundraising and communications Paula Langston said: “224 Youth Zone wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of local businesses, partners, and organisations who share our belief in the power and potential of young people.
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This isn’t just a space to be safe and have fun — it’s a place to dream big, discover new passions, and unlock future opportunities.”
224 is now calling on businesses and individuals to join its exclusive founder patron network, which will fund life-changing youth work and create lasting opportunities for young people in some of Bristol’s most deprived areas.
“Your business can play a vital role in shaping these futures,” Paula added. “By becoming a founder patron or corner patron of 224, you’ll be investing in the next generation and helping to create a legacy that strengthens our community for years to come.”
Main photo: 224 Youth Zone
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