News / youth services
State-of-the-art youth centre marks milestone
A state-of the-art youth centre in south Bristol which started construction a year ago has marked a milestone.
The landmark development called 224 Youth Zone hopes to transform opportunities for thousands of young people when it opens in 2026.
Delivered by contractors Galliford Try, internal spaces are taking shape and the outdoor multi-use games area is complete.
A recent event held at Origin on Berkeley Square marked the one-year anniversary since the construction began.
In October, several councillors from across south Bristol visited the site – photo: 224 Youth Zone
Developed by local youth charity Youth Moves in partnership with OnSide and Bristol City Council, the youth zone will support up to 5,000 young people aged eight to 19 – and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
Open seven days a week, it will offer up to 40 hours of youth provision and more than 20 activities every evening, including sport, music, arts, climbing, media, cooking and employability sessions for £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Over the past year, the project has expanded its partnership network, with organisations such as Bristol Sport Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Bears Foundation, Bristol Young Carers Knowle West Media Centre and WECIL helping to shape an inclusive and diverse programme.
“We’re right in the heart of south Bristol, a location chosen because it sits between several key wards—many of which are among the most deprived areas in the city,” said Matt Justice, chief executive at 224 Youth Zone – photo: Milan Perera
The recent event was attended by figures including Kalpna Woolf, high sheriff of Bristol; Peaches Golding, lord-lieutenant of the county and city of Bristol; Nick Sturge, business advisor at West of England Combined Authority and Lucio Mesquita, former BBC regional head and member of the board of trustees at the Park Centre in Knowle West.
Young people have remained central to the development, with the Young People’s Development Group influencing branding, design and decision-making, and speaking powerfully at major events.
Bristol South MP Karin Smyth described the youth zone as a “multi-million-pound investment into young people,” while chief executive Matt Justice said the progress reflects the “passion, belief and hard work” of young people and partners across the city.
“224 will be a place where young people can discover who they are, find their strengths, and access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach,” he added.
The breaking of ground event a year ago was attended by youth zone ambassador and rugby ace Ellis Genge – photo: 224 Youth Zone
Speaking to Bristol24/7 Justice said: “We’re right in the heart of south Bristol, a location chosen because it sits between several key wards—many of which are among the most deprived areas in the city.
“The site is directly opposite Imperial Retail Park on Hartcliffe Way, positioned on the corner of Bishopsworth, Hengrove, Whitchurch, Filwood and Knowle, effectively connecting all these neighbourhoods.
“The youth zone will open as South Bristol Youth Zone, serving young people from across south Bristol.”
224 Youth Zone is inviting local businesses and philanthropists to join as founder patrons to help secure the centre’s long-term future and support generations of young people in south Bristol.
The centre is expected to open in spring or summer of 2026.
Main photo: 224 Youth Zone
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