TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington have agreed to offer support in principle to the plan to establish a Youth Zone in the former Mr Smith’s building at Bridge Foot – a scheme that will involve a £3 million capital investment by the borough council.
But they are to receive further legal advice on the security of the land and building, in view of the investment involved and will receive a further report in the summer.
In the meantime, the council will continue to work with Warrington Youth Club and Onside Youth Zones, the two bodies involved in the proposals, in order to consider the business case.
Members of the council’s executive board have also noted the positive outcome of a consultation with young people in the town regarding the project.
Onside have already created six successful Youth Zones across the North West and more are in the pipeline.
The Warrington venture will be run by a charity formed out of the existing Warrington Youth Club with backing from Onside and local businesses. The building – originally built as a cinema – will be purchased by Onside and local businesses and leased to the youth club for a peppercorn rent.
Based on existing Zone Zones, the Warrington facility will have a wide range of sporting and artistic activity spaces, including a multi-use 3G outdoor pitch, a four court indoor sports hall, a climbing wall, a dance and performing arts studio, a martial arts/boxing gym, a fully equipped fitness suite, a music room, a film and multi-media suits, arts, craft and fashion areas, a girls room, café, and other spaces.
It is expected the site and building can be purchased for £1 million and the council’s £3 million will be required to adapt and re-develop it, with only the front facia remaining untouched. The development is seen as contributing to Warrington’s own plans for reviving the town centre and the Mersey waterfront.
The council’s investment is expected to unlock further private sector investment of about £2.25 million and possibly European and charitable grants.
A survey of nearly 2,000 young people in the 9-18 age range showed that more than 64 per cent of them thought there was not enough for young people to do in Warrington. Nearly 87 per cent felt young people would use a Youth Zone – although this figure fell to 74.5 per cent when asked if they would use it themselves.
Top five activities listed by young people who took part in a survey were watching television (63.8 per cent) going to a friend’s house (54.1 per cent), social media, (53.6 per cent) socialising (47.2 per cent) and staying at home (34 per cent).
Picture: The former Mr Smith’s club building
