Wirral Youth Zone gets go-ahead
Construction of the £6m youth centre in Birkenhead, known as the Hive, is set to begin later this year after the planning application was approved by Wirral Council.
The facility run by charity OnSide will offer a range of activities for young people aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with a disability, including dance, sport, fitness, music and media.
The 27,000 sq ft building is planned for a site next to the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service in Exmouth Street. External space around the block will be used for a skate park and multi-use games area.
Seven Architecture designed the building.
The plot was donated to the youth charity by the fire service which is charging a peppercorn rent for 125 years.
The facility is expected to open at the end of 2016.
The opening of the Wirral Youth Zone follows the success of OnSide’s projects in Carlisle, Wigan, Blackburn, Oldham and Manchester.
The Hive’s capital cost of £6m is being funded by Wirral Council and a number of other private funders.
