News / youth services
Local leaders visit £12m state-of-the-art youth centre ahead of opening
A group of senior political leaders has toured the site of 224 Youth Zone, as the state-of-the-art project is nearing its opening.
£12m youth centre is tipped for its future impact on jobs, skills and opportunity in south Bristol.
Karin Smyth, minister of state for secondary care and MP for Bristol South, joined fellow MPs Diana Johnson, minister of state of department for work and pensions and Kerry McCarthy, member of parliament for Bristol East, alongside West of England mayor Helen Godwin, for a behind-the-scenes look at the facility which is taking shape leading up to its grand opening.
Set to open in spring/summer 2026, 224 Youth Zone will provide a safe, inclusive space for up to 5,000 young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
£12m youth centre is expected to open in spring or summer of 2026 – photo: 224 Youth Zone
224 Youth Zone is being developed in partnership with OnSide and Bristol City Council.
The new youth centre will offer up to 40 hours a week of youth provision, including sport, creative arts, wellbeing support and employability programmes shaped by young people themselves.
Construction partner Galliford Try has already created apprenticeships, paid roles and work experience placements for local people, including young adults previously not in education or employment.
The project has also worked with SEND schools and delivered mentoring and employability support, contributing to inclusive economic growth in the area.
Once open, the youth zone will continue to support pathways into employment and training through structured youth work, volunteering and leadership opportunities.
The organisation is now recruiting across youth work, sport, catering and facilities roles, aiming to build a diverse workforce rooted in south Bristol.
MPs praised the ambition behind the project, highlighting its potential to transform opportunities for young people while strengthening the local economy.
The project received the backing of several high-profile local figures, including 224 Youth Zone ambassador and Bristol Bears ace Ellis Genge – photo: Stella Rogers
Karin Smyth said: “It was fantastic to see the progress made in constructing the 224 Youth Zone site on my last visit in 2025.
“This is a really significant investment for young people in Bristol South which will give them access to state-of-the-art facilities, from a brand-new climbing wall to a podcast recording studio, as well as allowing them to benefit from partnerships forged with organisations locally and across our city.”
The project received the backing of several high-profile local figures, including 224 Youth Zone ambassadors, Bristol Bears ace Ellis Genge, musician Geoff Barrow and filmmaker Paul Holbrook.
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “Our young people deserve a place like 224 Youth Zone – a safe, inspiring space to explore their interests, build confidence, and access opportunities to help shape their future.
“From sport and arts to wellbeing and youth support, this landmark site in south Bristol will create lasting, positive change for thousands of young people and the wider community. I can’t wait to see the difference that the West’s first youth zone makes when it opens in the spring.
“I remember seeing the impact of investment like this in other parts of the country when I was a councillor. It has been a privilege to support 224 Youth Zone since its earliest days and to secure funding for the project.
“It is fantastic to see the state-of-the-art facility coming together on site while local MPs and a government minister, and to witness the passion, energy and commitment of the team bringing it to life.”
Chief executive Matt Justice said the Youth Zone is “far more than bricks and mortar”, describing it as an investment in young people, jobs and the long-term future of the community.
Chief executive Matt Justice said the Youth Zone is “far more than bricks and mortar”, describing it as an investment in young people, jobs and the long-term future of the community – photo: Milan Perera
He added: “As we move closer to opening, we’re recruiting for a wide range of roles and are keen to hear from people who are passionate about supporting young people and want to be part of something special from the very beginning.
“Whether you’re an experienced professional or looking to start your career in youth work, 224 Youth Zone offers a chance to make a real difference every day.”
To find out more about opportunities and vacancies, visit www.youthmoves224.org/our-people/vacancies
Main photo: 224 Youth Zone
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