PLANS for Warrington's first youth zone have been boosted by a £500,000 grant.

St James's Place Charitable Foundation has handed the money to help with the £6.5million OnSide Youth Zone.

Building work is set to start later this year on the new facility next to the UTC in the Stadium Quarter.

The joint venture between national young people’s charity OnSide and Warrington Borough Council will see Warrington Youth Club move into a new a purpose-built facility.

The grant will help fund the building costs which will help 3,000 young people.

Malcolm Cooper-Smith, trustee at the St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, said: “St James’s Place Charitable Foundation is delighted to support another OnSide Youth Zone, this time in Warrington.

"Having seen the success of youth zones across the country, we know this funding will help change the lives of thousands more young people in Warrington.”

Mark Brocklehurst, chairman of Warrington Youth Club said: “We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation.

"Without the support of these wonderfully kind grant giving organisations, we wouldn’t be able to build our new youth zone which will allow us to reach even more young people.

"It is now crucial we raise more than £1million in revenue to make our dream a reality and I urge all businesses to come and see for yourself what a difference your support could make to the lives of our young people.”

The new youth zone, which recently had its plans approved from Warrington Borough Council, will offer affordable activities in sports, arts, music, employability and mentoring to young people aged from eight to 19, or up to 25 for those with a disability, every day of the week.

Warrington Youth Zone’s capital cost of £6.5m is also being funded by Warrington Borough Council and a number of additional generous funders.

If you are interested in supporting the new Warrington Youth Zone contact Lisa.Hannah-Stewart@onsideyouthzones.org or call 07543 219706.