New Youth Zone in Bristol

Have your say on the proposals for a new Youth Zone in Bristol

Citizens are being asked for their views on plans for an £8.4m Youth Zone in south Bristol as well as the chance to shape how such a project would look. Delivered by the national charity OnSide, Youth Zones are a network of affordable, high quality spaces with world class facilities, specially designed for children and young people (CYP) aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There are currently 14 Youth Zones across the UK which are open seven days a week, offering 20 activities at every session. Facilities include a four-court sports hall, outdoor pitch, gym, boxing, martial arts room, music room with built-in recording studio, arts and crafts area, teaching kitchen, climbing wall, dance studio, careers advice and mental health support.

Bristol’s public consultation, launched on 16 November, is an opportunity for citizens to tell the council what they think about proposals to build a Youth Zone in the south of the city, including the location, and to help shape the project at this early stage.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Our vision is for the South Bristol Youth Zone to deliver a safe space where our children and young people can go to meet their friends, socialise with others from across the city and be mentored by trained youth workers in a safe and welcoming “The proposed site behind Inns Court and by Hengrove Way roundabout was selected as the most feasible location, which best supports the aims of the Youth Zone. Sitting on the boundaries of four South Bristol wards - Filwood, Hartcliffe and Withywood, Hengrove and Whitchurch Park and Bishopsworth - means the site is neutral, accessible and a welcoming location for all surrounding communities.”

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet lead for Education, Children’s Services and Equalities, Councillor Asher Craig, said: “This is an exciting development for the children and young people of Bristol. The aim is to help young people grow in confidence, support their aspirations, and foster a sense of community belonging. We want this to be a space to build community relationships and to bring children and young people together who may not usually meet.

Filwood ward councillors, Chris Jackson and Zoe Goodman, have welcomed the opportunity for people to have their say on the proposals and Councillor Helen Holland, ward member for Hartcliffe and Withywood added:

“The South Bristol Youth Zone will work alongside existing youth providers in the south of the city and complement other regeneration projects for the area including housing, employment, public transport and walking and cycling routes.

“The views and opinions of local residents are hugely important to the success of this project, especially those of children and young people who will be using the facility. We value your opinion and will listen to what you have to say.” The consultation also offers an opportunity for children and young people aged 19 and under (or up to 25 for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities) to join the Young People’s Development Group which will help make several key decisions about the Youth Zone, including its name and design. “The project will be transformational, providing opportunities for young people, and future generations of South Bristolians, to grow, work and thrive.”

OnSide Chief Operating Officer Jamie Masraff said:

“We are really excited about our plans for a Youth Zone in South Bristol in partnership with Bristol City Council and Youth Moves. We’d encourage all residents to take part in the council’s consultation and have their say on shaping the future for the city’s young people.” The consultation will be open until Sunday 2 January. To find out more and give your views please visit the Youth Zone consultation page.

You can request a paper copy, alternative format or translated version of the survey by contacting us via email at: jointcommissioning.children@bristol.gov.uk There will be further opportunities to comment on more detailed plans as part of a pre-planning application consultation via a dedicated website from the 6 to 12 December, and at a public venue close to the proposed site on the 6 and 7 December. The responses from this consultation, the pre-planning application consultation, and technical work will be included in a Full Business Case in late 2021/early 2022.

A final decision on the Youth Zone will be made by the Mayor and Cabinet in early 2022 once they have considered the Full Business Case.