An iconic, state-of-the-art Youth Zone is under construction in Blackburn’s Cathedral quarter, and is due to open in February 2012. Attracting young people from across the town and beyond by its fantastic facilities, the Youth Zone will provide positive activities and practical support, especially for those who are disadvantaged. The three-storey building will have three dedicated sports halls with a climbing wall, gym, boxing ring, IT facilities, dance and performing arts spaces and a sound studio. Also included are a kitchen, games and social areas and outdoor all-weather pitches. All that just for 50p admission!

The aim is to attract young people from across the borough, to enable them to make constructive use of their leisure time and to raise their aspirations. The centre will be open seven nights a week, at weekends and during school holidays for young people aged between 8 and 21 and up to 25 for disabled young people. The Youth Zone will also run other projects to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in the area.

It will undoubtedly be a hugely positive project for all the people connected with the town, in fact, Blackburn Youth Zone will become the catalyst for the redevelopment of our town centre and can help all of us feel proud about Blackburn and what we will create here.

If you would like to help in some way, please see our website www.blackburnyz.org