Bury Council is working with the charity OnSide to develop an £8 million Youth Zone to provide facilities and activities for the borough’s young people.
Studies are now under way to identify a suitable location in either Bury or Radcliffe town centre which would be easily accessible, particularly for those from the most deprived areas.
OnSide Youth Zones offer a wide range of sporting, artistic, cultural, physical and recreational activities for young people, as well as access to personal development and informal education, providing young people with the opportunities to shine.
Typically, a charge of 50p is made per session, giving young people access to more than 20 activities each evening.
Independent studies have shown that young people who attend youth zones become healthier, do better in school, and live more positive lives.
The cost of the youth zone is estimated at £8.4 million, to be met by the private sector through OnSide and by the council with the help of Government grants.
Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “OnSide has built a network of affordable, high quality Youth Zones across the country, transforming the lives of young people by giving them the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose.
“We want to work with them to create one in Bury, to inspire our young people to lead healthier and more positive lives and raise their aspirations so they grow up to become happy, caring and responsible citizens.”
The council has now approved a location viability study by OnSide, with a further report to be brought to the council. If agreed, work would then start on designs, and the aim is to have the youth zone open by 2025.
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