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Preston’s Youth Zone ‘Vault’ has moved to the next stage in its multi-million pound construction.
Steel frames have now been put up at the site in Lord Street opposite Preston Bus Station.
Work began in the summer on the new £11m building – which has been more than a decade in the making – and is due to be open in late 2025.
Read more: Name chosen as Vault by young people for city’s new Youth Zone
As well as the steel frame a new hoarding has gone up along the side of the development and designed by the Youth Zone’s young people’s development group.
The Youth Zone is part of the OnSide charity which operates dozens of youth zone buildings across the country.
Chief executive of Preston Youth Zone, Tim Jacques, said: “The completion of the steel frame is a visible and exciting milestone for us as we close a remarkable year for the charity.
“Over the coming weeks, the public will see the vision for Vault taking tangible shape. This facility will be a beacon for young people in Preston, offering them a space to grow, learn, and thrive.
“It’s also great to see a splash of colour added to the hoardings with designs added with a huge amount of input from our young people. They will give passers by a greater insight into what is to come.”
Funding for the Youth Zone’s build has come from a mix of Preston City Council and central government funding.
Inside the building will be a climbing wall, recording studio, performing arts space, sports pitches, boxing gym, café and more.
Preston City Council’s cabinet member for communities and social justice, councillor Nweeda Khan, said: “It’s wonderful to see the progress on Preston’s new Youth Zone and to witness the building taking shape. This project is a cornerstone of our reimagined Harris Quarter, and alongside the Harris Museum and Animate, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for everyone in Preston.
“The Youth Zone will play a vital role in supporting future generations of young people in our city. It aligns perfectly with Preston’s new Youth Strategy, which has been shaped by the voices of our community and will be launched in 2025.”
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The Youth Zone plan was revived due to funding from the Towns Fund awarded to the city after previous incarnations planned for Bow Lane and then the Bus Station apron were both scrapped in the past decade and became a political football between County and Town Hall politicians.
It’s one of two major new facilities for young people in the city due to open in 2025 as the Foxton builds its new base for young people in Avenham too.
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