First look of Salford Youth Zone revealed to the public

Salford Youth Zone (SYZ), Greater Manchester’s latest Onside youth zone has today revealed the first look of its impressive site which is set to open to the community in Summer 2025.

The new youth zone led by charity Empower Youth Zones follows the success of HideOut in Gorton which opened in 2020 and provides support to thousands of young people in Manchester.

At the first look event today, Empower’s CEO Adam Farricker and capital donor Fred Done delivered speeches to guests including key supporters, partners and the local community which drew upon the need for the facility in the region. Guests celebrated SYZ’s progress so far and the impact it promises for the future of Salford.

SYZ promises to usher in a new era for the city’s youth, offering educational, recreational, and developmental opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment. The purpose-built Youth Zone will open seven-days-a-week, with more than 20 activities on offer every session for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with an additional need or disability.

As well as providing a space for young people in Salford to participate in activities and build on their confidence, SYZ will also create 70 paid jobs, and an extensive programme of volunteering opportunities.

SYZ will help to solve the challenges of soaring rates of isolation and anxiety amongst young people in the community. Statistics from OnSide’s 2024 Generation Isolation report found that 44% of young people in the North West have high or very high feelings of loneliness while 50% have high or very high feelings of anxiety.

The report is part of this year’s National Youth Work Week that highlights the continued need for youth zones and youth workers. SYZ will be a step forward for the North West in delivering a place for young people to socialise, grow in confidence, and develop essential life skills.

Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower said: “Today has been a fantastic opportunity for us to bring our patrons and supporters together to celebrate another key milestone in Salford Youth Zone’s development. It’s even more special to reveal Salford Youth Zone during National Youth Work Week to highlight the importance of all children and young people having access to youth workers.”

Fred Done also commented: “There is a huge need for Salford Youth Zone across the community. I am proud to play a part in bringing this to my home city of Salford, on the back of the success of HideOut, in Gorton Manchester. I have no doubt this will support thousands of young Salfordians for years to come.”

Councillor Teresa Pepper from Salford City Council said: “The topping out is another milestone event and a major step forward to the opening of our brand new Salford Youth Zone.

“When open it will be a fantastic addition to our other youth services in the city which help keep our young people in safe and constructive environments where they can experience new activities and make new friends. It chimes nicely with our hard work and ambition to become a UNICEF Child Friendly City.”