Barking and Dagenham’s historic Future Youth Zone has taken another big step towards completion as the internal features are now being fitted ahead of the official unveiling.
The iconic development in Parsloes Park is starting to catch the eye of a number of residents and excitement is now growing as the building starts to take shape.
The venue, being developed by the national charity OnSide, is currently being fitted with stairs, walls and floors ahead of the big opening in Spring 2019.
It will be the first of its kind in London and the Youth Zone has issued a rallying call to local young people to get involved with the project now and join the local development group.
Youngsters in the borough will be spoilt for choice as there will be a wide range of activities on offer every night for just 50p.
These include sports in the four-court hall, gym, 3G kick pitch and martial arts room; music; arts and crafts; drama; dance; enterprise and employability opportunities; mentoring; cookery and much more.
West Ham United captain Mark Noble was among a number of dignitaries who officially marked the start of the building work back in January when a giant spade went into the ground and the development has been progressing ever since.
The hard work is rapidly progressing behind the scenes too with recruitment underway for the senior management team, which is being led by OnSide Chief Executive, Gavin Evans.
Gavin said: “I get excited every time I go to the site. The progress being made is unbelievable and it’s amazing to think just how soon we’ll have our doors open for the young people of Barking and Dagenham.
“We’re well underway with recruitment and interest in our roles has been very high. We’ve also been inundated with enquiries about working in partnership with other community groups and organisations as well as volunteering opportunities.”
The progress being made is unbelievable and it’s amazing to think just how soon we’ll have our doors open for the young people of Barking and Dagenham
The £6.5million facility is being funded by Barking and Dagenham Council (£3million), The Queen’s Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation (both £1.5million).
OnSide, which has developed 10 other Youth Zones across the UK, is committed to raising the annual revenue costs from local businesses, philanthropists and trusts and foundations.
Barking and Dagenham Council Leader Darren Rodwell said: “The youngsters in our borough can feel proud that such a historic building is coming to Parsloes Park and will change their lives.
“It has only been a few months since the spade went into the ground, but the progress so far shows how much hard work has been put in behind the scenes and it is already look amazing.
“I am excited to see the transformation that will take place over the next few months as the clock rapidly counts down until the big unveiling next year.”
The youngsters in our borough can feel proud that such a historic building is coming to Parsloes Park and will change their lives
The Youth Zone will be run as its own independent, local charity with support from OnSide which has been working with young people in the borough for over two years now.
The young people’s development group has been integral in coming up with ideas for the Youth Zone and was behind the name ‘Future’.
OnSide is also inviting more young people to get involved with this group and is hosting an open day on Saturday 11th August between noon and 5pm at Greatfields School in Barking.
Families will be able to learn more about the Youth Zone and the activities in it and also the opportunities they will have by becoming members of the Development Group.
For more information on this, contact Marcel Andrew on 07843 323685 or email marcel.andrew@futureyouthzone.org.
For more details on job opportunities, visit the Future Youth Zone website.