£7.4 Million youth hub set to be backed

A multi-million project which will see a state-of-the-art hub been built for youngsters in Barnsley is set to be built near the town hall after official backing from Barnsley council.

The target location for this youth hub is set to be a derelict electrical depot which hasn't been in use for years now but was identified as the councils next major project after the completion of the glass works scheme in 2021.

If the council documents are correct, we could be seeing an indoor sports hall, climbing wall, gym, dance studio, sensory room, cafe and skate park all been part of this multi-million project.

Due to the well known global pandemic the council have shown that the project has been delayed but the site is now under the ownership of the council which allows them to start discussing the next part of the scheme.

Next month, the council is going to have to approve the major cost of this project, this will require £3.4 million from local authorities. The successful firm, Onside, have been identified as the preferred provider as they are already behind many successful youth zones across the country.

A council report has stated, “ The development aligns with the council’s corporate priorities ‘people achieving their potential’, ‘thriving and vibrant economy’ and ‘strong and resilient communities’ by providing young people with a safe, secure and aspirational environment to learn and develop new skills.

“A building specifically for young people would diversify the existing town centre offer, further adding vibrancy to the momentum generated by The Glass Works and Library @ the Lightbox, encouraging more people to visit the town, strengthening the visitor economy.( “Young people under the age of 20 make up 23.1 per cent of the population in Barnsley - 22.8 per cent of local children are known to be living in poverty.