EVERY youngster between the ages of eight and 18 in Barnsley will have their first year of membership at a new youth hub in the town centre paid for as part of a six-figure scheme outlined by the council this week.
OnSide, the charity behind the newly-named Base71 on Schwabisch Gmund Way, will open the multi-million venue - which includes 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 - in January.
Projections outlined a £5 annual membership but Barnsley Council bosses announced plans to waive the fee to those between eight and 18 who wish to attend.
The council estimate that there are 30,000 youngsters eligible.
Coun Ashley Peace, cabinet support member for children’s services, said: “As the first in Yorkshire, it will offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for young people.
“These include an indoor climbing wall, a four-court indoor sports hall, a fitness suite, a boxing and martial arts room, a performing arts studio, a music suite, and much more.
“Base71 will be staffed by skilled youth workers who will help young people realise their aims and achievements.
“We are committed to making Barnsley a place of possibilities and ensuring all children, young people and families benefit from the prospects that a great childhood brings.
“This investment is a testament to our dedication to providing our young people with the best opportunities to grow, learn and thrive.
“We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore their potential and be inspired by the possibilities around them.”
The initiative is in line with Barnsley Council’s key priorities as part of its wider ‘Great Childhoods Ambition’ programme.
It includes free bus travel for under-18s through the Barnsley MiCard, a school uniform support scheme providing vouchers worth £50 per primary school child and £100 per secondary school child, and year 11 support packs to ensure pupils have the resources they need for their final year at secondary education.
It aims to ensure that no child or young person is left behind by providing access to enrichment experiences and opportunities to learn new skills alongside their peers.
The council paid £4.5m towards construction costs and online fashion giant ASOS - based in Great Houghton - contributed £1.2m to the project as its first corporate sponsor, with OnSide committing to generating the remaining construction costs.
Mandy Carlson, chief executive of Base71, added: “This investment from Barnsley Council will help us make membership even more accessible, reaching young people from all walks of life and providing them with a hub of opportunity, inspiration and growth, right in their hometown.
“Base71 is delighted to be a part of the Great Childhoods Ambition programme, building a bright future for the young people of Barnsley.”
