The future of Salford’s young people is set to be transformed with the commencement of construction on the highly anticipated Salford Youth Zone (SYZ).
Set to open in 2025, local officials, community leaders, and supporters gathered today for the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the beginning of a project set to empower young people whilst adding to the overall growth of the city.
Located on Belvedere Road, SYZ will serve as a safe and inclusive hub for young people, providing a variety of educational, recreational, and developmental opportunities.
Made possible through the generous funding and vision of esteemed Salford businessman and philanthropist, Fred Done, with additional support from DCMS, Youth Investment Fund, Salford City Council alongside Empower Youth Zones’ family of funders, cornerstone Patrons and business investors.
This purpose-built facility is equipped to deliver over 20 activities per session, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Empower Youth Zones is the youth charity responsible for overseeing the operations of both HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton and Salford Youth Zone.
“Salford Youth Zone creates a unique partnership between young people, their community, local authorities, private business leadership and a growing movement of supporters. Today’s turnout fills us with immense joy and reconfirms the significance of this facility – I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone in attendance and those supporting us from a distance” said Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower Youth Zone.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Cllr Teresa Pepper, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Susan Lomas OBE DL, Cllr Michelle Barnes, MP Rebecca Logn Bailey and City Mayor Paul Dennett, who each shared their excitement and optimism for SYZ’s future.
SYZ represents a new narrative for the city, one that champions the achievements and growth of young people, one that aims to provide children and young people of Salford a chance to ignite their passion, empowering them through opportunities and to reach their full potential. Beyond its direct benefits to young people, SYZ also holds promise for the wider area through mentoring schemes, jobs and volunteering opportunities creating a positive, vibrant hub of activities encouraging community cohesion.
