Young people and supporters got their very first glimpse inside the brand new, state-of-the-art Base71 Youth Zone, as construction reaches its latest major milestone.
The multi-million pound new youth centre, located in Barnsley Town Centre on the Eastern Gateway, on Schwabisch Gmund Way, opposite Barnsley Interchange, is now water-tight and has had its windows installed.
The Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which has been helping to shape the development of Base71 Youth Zone, joined supporters for their first guided tour of the building, getting a sneak peek of how their new facilities might look. Base71 Youth Zone
The YPDG is a key part of bringing Base71 Youth Zone to life for Barnsley’s young people. The group has helped design and develop the Youth Zone, including creating the brand, interviewing staff, and starting to help develop the look and feel of the Youth Zone’s interiors.
The project’s development has been made possible through partnerships with Barnsley City Council, ASOS, The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, Balmoral Tanks, Naylor Industries, local philanthropists and Barnsley’s business community.
Base71 Youth Zone’s CEO, Mandy Carlson, said:
“It’s amazing just how far our building has come in such a short time. From our temporary office we have had a bird’s eye view of the development, and we are so proud of how great the building is already looking. It’s so exciting to see the new Youth Zone take shape, knowing what a difference it will make to the young people of Barnsley when we open our doors.”
Set to open in January 2026, the Youth Zone will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a climbing wall, music room with built in recording studio, performing arts space, arts and crafts, and sports amenities, including an inside football pitch, boxing gym, sports hall and fitness suite, ensuring a diverse array of activities for young people aged eight to 19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs). The Youth Zone will also provide hot meals for just £1, fostering a safe, inclusive, and affordable environment.
The Youth Zone expects to welcome over 4,000 young people within its first year of opening.
Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture and Cllr Trevor Cave, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said:
“It’s great to see the Base71 Youth Zone coming together so quickly and will be an exciting addition in the Town Centre.
“As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition programme, we want every child to benefit from a range of opportunities across the borough.
“This is another example of how we are working together with the public, private and voluntary sector to deliver our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to offer new initiatives for young people to get involved in, connect and thrive.”
This milestone highlights the charity’s commitment to supporting Barnsley’s youth and fostering a vibrant, engaged community. As the building progresses, Base71 Youth Zone continues to seek support for its annual running costs and build momentum towards its opening.
To find out more, contact enquiries@base71youthzone.org.
