Construction starts on state-of-the-art facility for Bristol’s young people, the 224 Youth Zone
With preparatory works for 224 complete, contractors Galliford Try can now start construction of 224, the state-of-the-art facility for Bristol’s young people.
224, which will be located close to the roundabout connecting Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, is being developed by award-winning local charity Youth Moves, in partnership with national charity OnSide, and Bristol City Council. The Youth Zone will enable Youth Moves, who will run the centre, to support an additional 4,000 young people in Bristol, aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.
224, expected to open spring 2026, will be based on 15 similar OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with energy, inspiration, and highly skilled youth workers. Young people will be able to access over 20 activities every evening, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
The Youth Zone will be a place where young people in the South of Bristol can come together and feel safe. Youth workers will form positive relationships with young people, supporting, guiding and signposting them for whatever challenge they may face, such as mental health, dealing with conflict, managing emotions, and the centre will be a hub accessible to all other youth providers across the city to bring young people together.
The capital costs are being funded by private and public sector contributions including Bristol City Council, the Government’s Youth Investment Fund and St James Place Charitable Foundation. The Council will also contribute towards the Youth Zone’s annual revenue costs. Youth Moves and OnSide are seeking the support of local businesses, philanthropists and the local community to raise the remaining running costs, to help achieve long-term sustainability and ensure 224 transforms young people’s lives for generations to come.
OnSide CEO Jamie Masraff said: “It’s fantastic to finally get on site and begin construction of 224 Youth Zone. The preparatory works have gone well, and everything is now in place to turn this vision into a reality. We are really excited to partner with Youth Moves to deliver this Youth Zone, and their youth workers and young people have spent time visiting other Youth Zones in the Network, to see exactly what is coming to Bristol.
“We are still actively fundraising and would urge anyone who thinks they can support this fantastic project, helping to nurture the next generation of young Bristolians, to get in touch.”
Councillor Christine Townsend, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee, said: “As we look towards breaking ground on the new ‘224’ Youth Zone, we’re not just starting construction on a building; we’re laying the foundation for brighter futures. This new facility will provide young people in South Bristol, and across the city, with a safe space to explore their potential, build confidence, and access opportunities that can truly transform their lives. I am excited to see the positive impact it will have on our communities for generations to come.”
Simon Courtney, managing director for Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West, said: “Our team at Galliford Try is proud to partner with OnSide in bringing the South Bristol Youth Zone to life. This project represents a vibrant, inspiring future for the young people in the community, and we are fully committed to delivering a state-of-the-art facility that fosters creativity, resilience, and opportunity. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact this Youth Zone will have on the lives of young people for years to come.”
Matt Justice has just been appointed as the new CEO of Youth Moves, moving on from his role at West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL), which is an organisation dedicated to supporting disabled people to live independent lives without societal barriers. Matt is also currently Co-chair of the South Bristol Youth and Play Partnership and works closely with Bristol Play and Youth Alliance around developing Bristol to be the best city for play and youth work.
Speaking of his appointment, Matt Justice said: “I’m excited to take up the role of CEO at Youth Moves, especially at such a pivotal time with the development of Bristol’s first Youth Zone, 224. I’m looking forward to joining the team at Youth Moves and working with partner organisations, to create a space that will be transformative, safe, and inspiring, and where children and young people can thrive, discover their potential, and shape their futures.” He is due to start the role in January.
Partnerships will be at the heart of 224 Youth Zone, with Youth Moves committed to working alongside other youth organisations to deliver a rich and diverse range of activities for young people, as well as vital support. The charity recently announced founding partnerships for the Youth Zone with The Cause and Off The Record.
224 has been co-developed with young people. A group consisting of local young people (the Young People’s Development Group) has been involved in steering several key decisions for the Youth Zone over the past 18 months, including leading on its branding of 224 – which stands for today, tomorrow, forever, with the tagline, ‘What you do today will affect you tomorrow and impact you forever’. They have also overseen the designs that will adorn the hoardings around the building site.
For more information and to get in touch, visit www.youthmoves224.org