LOCALS were given the first glimpse inside the new state-of-the-art youth zone in the town centre - ahead of its opening in January 2026 - at a special event last week.
OnSide, the charity behind the newly-named Base71 on Schwabisch Gmund Way, reached its latest major milestone recently as it became water-tight and had its windows installed.
The multi-million pound venue will include a four-court sports hall, a rooftop 3G outdoor kick-pitch, gym, boxing and martial arts room, a recording studio, dance studio, sensory room and mentoring kitchen.
Work has been progressing well in recent months and supporters and locals were given a tour around the venue on Wednesday.
The Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which has been helping to shape the development of Base71 Youth Zone, joined supporters for their first guided tour of the building, getting a sneak peek of how their new facilities might look.
The YPDG is a key part of bringing Base71 Youth Zone to life for Barnsley’s young people.
The group has helped design and develop the Youth Zone, including creating the brand, interviewing staff, and starting to help develop the look and feel of the interior.
The project’s development has been made possible through partnerships with Barnsley Council, ASOS, the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, Balmoral Tanks and Naylor Industries.
CEO Mandy Carlson said: “It’s amazing just how far our building has come in such a short time.
“From our temporary office we have had a bird’s eye view of the development, and we are so proud of how great the building is already looking.
“It’s so exciting to see the new Youth Zone take shape, knowing what a difference it will make to the young people of Barnsley when we open our doors.”
Set to open in January 2026, the Youth Zone expects to welcome more than 4,000 youngsters within the first year of opening.
Also included within the site will be a new youth activity park.
It will include a skate park suitable for all levels, a beginner-friendly bike track, new active travel routes and inclusive play spaces.
The project, supported by Sport England, is being co-designed in consultation with local youngsters.
Coun Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “It’s great to see the Base71 Youth Zone coming together so quickly and will be an exciting addition in the town centre.
“As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition programme, we want every child to benefit from a range of opportunities across the borough.
“This is another example of how we are working together with the public, private and voluntary sector to deliver our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to offer new initiatives for young people to get involved in, connect and thrive.”
