New youth zone designed by the teens set to use it
BBCA new youth zone designed by teenagers will improve the lives of hundreds of young people once it opens in summer, its founder has said.
Salford Youth Zone plans to open its doors in July and will provide activities for 150 children seven days a week, all year round.
The hub will also provide up to 70 jobs with part of it been designed by the local teenagers who are set to use it.
Teenager Rose, who had a hand in helping to create the building, said it would give young people a "safe place" to go to.
She said: "It will help, it will get young people off the streets, give them somewhere to go, somewhere safe and you'll always have someone to talk to when you come here".
The centre for young people in Salford is being developed by Empower, the umbrella charity which oversees the operations of HideOut Youth Zone in east Manchester.
The new 4,500 sq ft (418 sq m) site, situated adjacent to Belvedere Road and Broadwalk in Pendleton, features a giant climbing wall, sports hall, boxing ring, music room and kitchen to help youngsters learn how to cook.
Adam Farricker, chief executive at Empower Youth Zones, said: "It's giving them somewhere safe to go, something positive to do.
"It will be rewarding, seeing from day one the young people coming in and the excitement they will have just by engaging in the activities.
He added: "We are not just a leisure centre, we are a place that can improve their life chances going forward."
The facility will be open for those aged eight to 19-years-old, and up to 25-years-old with additional needs.
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