THE new Warrington Youth Zone will open in early July.

The £6.9million facility built in the heart of the town centre will open on July 2 – and there are just 50 days to go.

Construction was completed in the spring and it has already begun welcoming young people inside for taster sessions and its first half-term Holiday Club.

The Youth Zone will become home to the historic Warrington Youth Club and its July launch will trigger the start of its seven-day-a-week, fully inclusive, open access sessions.

To celebrate the countdown, the Youth Zone has also launched its online membership. It will cost just £5 per year to sign up and then 50p each visit.

 


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Young people, aged between seven and 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs, will have to access its wide range of state-of-the-art facilities.

Hot meals will be served for £1 and young people will also be able to learn how to cook various dishes themselves in the Youth Zone's training kitchen.

Warrington Youth Zone Chief Executive Dave McNicholl said: "We are delighted to announce our official opening date and we can't wait to welcome everyone down for a huge Warrington celebration. Keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media channels beforehand as there'll be opportunities for young people and their families to get a sneak peek too.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has turned this decade-long dream into a reality, particularly our generous supporters including Warrington Borough Council. So much work has been put in by so many people to get us to this point where we are preparing to open our doors every night of the week. This is just the beginning."

The Youth Zone is being developed by the national charity OnSide and will join a network of similar centres across the UK but will be the first in Cheshire. OnSide has raised the funds to build the Youth Zone and equip it with its annual running costs, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and philanthropists as well as a range of trusts and grants and the Council.

Cllr Sarah hall, cabinet member for children’s services at the council, said: “I’m so excited for the youth zone to officially open its doors. It’s an outstanding building and there is genuinely something for everyone here. I know that the facilities are going to be well-used and the Youth Zone puts Warrington on the map – demonstrating we’re a place that helps young people to learn, grow and thrive.

“It’s a wonderful new space and I’m proud of the role the council has played in supporting the vision of the Youth Zone.”

The youth zone has also created a number of employment and volunteering opportunities.

To sign up as a member or find out more about job and volunteering opportunities, visit warringtonyouthzone.org.