Barnsley Youth Zone

The Barnsley Youth Zone is a one of a kind, multi-million pound venue that is a joint venture between Barnsley Council, the private sector, young people, and the community. It is the first of its kind in Yorkshire and it will be run as an independent charity by OnSide, whose mission is to enable young people to lead positive and fulfilling lives.

The main contract for the Barnsley Youth Zone was awarded to Triton Construction who are working with HB Architects, ARC Engineers, TACE and Hoard-it to bring this project to life. The new Youth Zone is being built in the heart of the town centre, directly opposite the train station. It will include a four-court sports hall, a rooftop 3G outdoor kick-pitch, gym, boxing and martial arts room, a recording studio, dance studio, arts and craft space, sensory room and mentoring kitchen.

Three local teenagers broke ground in a special ceremony when construction began and all three have influenced what the Youth Zone will become. It will provide young people with activities and contribute to a reduction in antisocial behaviour in the town. It will be available to young people between the ages of 8 and 19 and the Barnsley Youth Zone will be open seven days a week. Its opening hours will also be longer outside of school term time to give young people a place to go.

The project was funded by a combination of public and private sector contributions, including ASOS who are its first corporate sponsor. The Youth Zone will take just over a year to build and the local community is keen for it to open as soon as possible, to give young people activities and opportunities outside of school.

Hoard-it delivered and installed 130LM of hoarding panels to Triton Construction to keep the site secure during construction. We also supplied some temporary vertical concrete barriers with mesh hoarding panels to create a secure perimeter to help with traffic management in the surrounding area.

In the first year the Barnsley Youth Zone is expected to sign up at least 4,000 members. Everyone involved is looking forward to seeing the positive impact it has on young people in the town.