On Monday 10 November, Base71 Youth Zone, Yorkshire’s first Youth Zone, welcomed Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock to its new town centre facility.
Young people from Base71’s Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) showed the MP around the new Youth Zone and talked about their involvement bringing the space to life. The YPDG, a group of local young people volunteering their time, have been an instrumental part of creating the Youth Zone, creating its brand and helping design the interiors.
The new Youth Zone is part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones, and will be Yorkshire’s first. Located on Schwabisch Gmund way and opposite Barnsley Interchange, it will feature state-of-the-art facilities including an indoor climbing wall, music room with built-in recording studio, rooftop football pitch, fully-equipped gym, dance and drama studio, and much more.
Minister for Youth Stephanie Peacock said:
“It was great to meet the young people taking such an active role in shaping Base71. I want to thank them for the brilliant tour and sharing their views with me. It’s clear that young people are having a genuine say in the facilities and services that are designed by them for them.
“Base71 will provide an incredible space for young people to connect, learn new skills, and access support in a safe environment. Due to the local authority young Barnsley Borough residents under 18 receive free bus travel across the borough, making it easy to get to Base71, where they also receive free membership for the first year.”
