Salford Youth Zone gets go-ahead

EMPOWER is anticipating an early 2025 opening for the young people’s leisure activity centre off Belvedere Road in Pendleton.

Salford City Council has approved the plans for the Salford Youth Zone, which is being developed by EMPOWER in partnership with the authority itself and national youth charity OnSide.

EMPOWER is an umbrella charity, which already oversees the operations of HideOut Youth Zone in East Manchester. Meanwhile, OnSide has supported the creation and development of 15 youth zones across the UK, with planning permission granted in July to build facilities in Crewe and Preston.

The Studio Power-designed Pendleton scheme will deliver a two-storey youth hub, open to young people aged eight to 19 and up to 25 with special needs.

Visitors will have access to a music studio, a film and multimedia suite, a climbing wall, a sports hall, and a fitness gym.

Outside, there will also be two sports pitches.

EMPOWER received £7.6m from the government’s Youth Investment Fund in March for the project, which will create up to 70 full- and part-time jobs.

Adam Farricker, chief executive of EMPOWER, said: “The potential the Youth Zone has for Salford and its future generation is unprecedented – it will change the lives of thousands of young people.

“We’ve got the experience of HideOut Youth Zone – our Youth Zone over in East Manchester – which has seen incredible success in its first three years of operation, and I’m confident that we can achieve the same success over in Salford.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, added: “When it is open, Salford Youth Zone will make such a difference to the lives of young people in the city.

“It will also create jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.”

The project team includes structural and civil engineer Renaissance Associates, landscape architect Wright Landscapes, transport consultant SK Transport Planning, and noise consultant Miller Goodall.

Want to learn more about the project? Search for application number 22/80947/FUL on Salford City Council’s planning portal.