State-of-the-art Youth Zone will make 'a huge difference'

BARNSLEY North MP Dan Jarvis visited the town centre’s new multi-million pound Youth Zone which is undergoing construction.

The venue – which, when finished, will include a four-court sports hall, a roof-top 3G outdoor kick-pitch, gym, boxing and martial arts room, a recording studio, dance studio, sensory room and mentoring kitchen – is being built across from Barnsley Interchange, on Schwabisch Gmund Way, and is due to open next September.

It will be run by OnSide and it's understood it will cost £9m.

Dan said: “The Youth Zone will be a transformative addition to our town centre with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of dedicated staff and volunteers on hand to support our young people.

“It was great to see the progress being made to create the site and I know it will make a huge difference.

“I very much look forward to seeing the Youth Zone’s doors open next September and hearing about the incredible work taking place there.”

Mandy Carlson, chief executive of the venue, added: “It was great to welcome Dan to the Youth Zone site to see the developments.

“The building is flying up so it was good to discuss the impact it will have on Barnsley’s young people and the wider community.

“Dan has always been a huge advocate for providing young people with the support and opportunities they deserve and is a passionate supporter of our Youth Zone and we can’t wait to welcome him back when we are fully open.”