“I’m bored& ” It’s a phrase every parent and guardian knows - and probably dreads.

But in Barnsley, it might be heard a little less often now. Because Base71, Yorkshire’s first OnSide youth zone, officially opened its doors in our town on Saturday!

Open seven days a week and staffed by qualified youth workers, Base71 provides a safe, welcoming space where Barnsley’s children and teenagers can build confidence and learn new skills. Just as importantly, it’s a space where they can enjoy themselves!

But calling Base71 a ‘space’ doesn’t do it justice. It’s a state-of-the-art facility, boasting an indoor climbing wall, a four-court sports hall, a fitness suite, boxing and martial arts rooms, a performing arts and dance studio, a music and recording suite, arts and crafts rooms, sensory spaces, film and multimedia facilities, a teaching kitchen, and a large recreation area. Hot, nutritious meals are available for £1.

Unsurprisingly, this project has taken a lot of serious planning, organisation, and graft. Many individuals and organisations played their part, and I pay tribute to them all.

OnSide, ASOS, and Base71’s new CEO Mandy Carlson all deserve a special shout out. So does the leader of Barnsley Council, Steve Houghton. Under his leadership, the Labour council has funded around half the project and played a major role in co-ordinating and supporting the effort.

Importantly, the council has ensured that no child is excluded because of cost. It’s covering the £5 annual membership fee for every eligible eight to 18-year-old who signs up before March 31, 2026.

Individual sessions cost just 50p. Furthermore, thanks to the council’s decision to introduce free bus travel for under-18s, families don’t have to worry about transport costs either - every young person can get to and from Base71.

This is all part of the council’s joined-up approach to supporting families and putting Barnsley on the map.

Whether it’s providing uniform vouchers worth £50 or £100 to all school kids in the borough or completely regenerating our town centre: there’s a reason Barnsley’s successes are envied by other local authorities.

And there’s a reason why Barnsley’s Labour council is one of the few local authorities to have won both major Council of the Year awards - and the only one to have won them both in the same year.

Those awards recognise years of dedication to improving our borough. Base71 is the latest example of that commitment in action.

Base71 shows what can happen when a town decides to invest in its own future. It’s a place built for our young people, shaped by the community, and backed by years of hard work and belief. We should all take pride in what’s been achieved here - and in the brighter Barnsley it helps us build.