On 30th June 2025, local supporters, staff, and young people came together on the 224 Youth Zone site to celebrate a major milestone in the project’s journey, as contractors Galliford Try officially completed the roof.
Guests enjoyed afternoon tea and cake while hearing speeches from young people from the Young People’s Development Group, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the Youth Zone and shared what the project means to them and to the wider community.
Guests donned full PPE for a tour of the site and to step onto the roof of the new Youth Zone, one of the first groups to do so, where a ceremonial spanner was handed over to the young people, in keeping with construction tradition.
The £12 million facility is being made possible thanks to contributions from both the public and private sectors, including Bristol City Council, the Government’s Youth Investment Fund, and the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. Bristol City Council will also contribute to the Youth Zone’s annual running costs for the first three years.
Prior to the Topping Out Ceremony, Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care) and MP for Bristol South, and Cllr Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, visited the 224 Youth Zone site to learn more about the project and the positive impact it will on the local community.
MP Karin Smyth, The Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), and MP for Bristol South said:
“I visited the 224-site last week, and it was fantastic to see the progress made there. This is a multi-million-pound investment into young people in Bristol South, and I was glad to hear about the collaboration between Youth Moves and other organisations in the local community. I am excited to see how that collaboration can deliver a programme of high-quality youth provision at 224.”
Cllr Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council said:
“We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the creation of the 224 Youth Zone. This fantastic new facility will provide a safe, inspiring space for young people across Bristol to learn, grow, and connect.
“Thanks to the strong partnership between the council, government, charitable foundations, and the community, we are one step closer to delivering a project that will make a real and lasting difference in young people’s lives. We look forward to seeing the Youth Zone open its doors and become a vibrant hub for youth development in our city.”
The name “224” stands for 2day, 2morrow, 4ever with the tagline “What you do today will affect you tomorrow and impact you forever”, signifying the Youth Zone’s ongoing commitment to being a reliable, long-term support system for young people in South Bristol and across the city.
224 is being developed by award-winning charity Youth Moves (based in South Bristol), in partnership with national charity OnSide, and Bristol City Council. The facility will enable provide support for over 4,000 young people in Bristol, aged between 8 and 19, or up to age 25 for those with additional needs.
Currently under construction on land adjacent to Hartcliffe Way, the Youth Zone is due to be open in Spring 2026. Based on OnSide’s successful network of 15 Youth Zones across the UK, it will offer young people a world of opportunity through high-quality facilities and support from trusted youth workers.
Facilities will include access to over 20 activities each evening, ranging from football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and employability support – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Matt Justice, Youth Moves, CEO said:
“Today’s Topping Out Ceremony marks an exciting milestone in the journey of 224 Youth Zone. We’re getting closer to opening the doors to a space that will belong to the young people of South Bristol, a place where they can feel safe, inspired, and supported.
This project has always been about collaboration, and I want to thank our incredible partners, funders, Galliford Try, our young people and community for getting us to this point. The 224 Youth Zone will work alongside existing play and youth services to strengthen what’s already happening in South Bristol.
We’re building more than just a youth centre, we’re building opportunity, community, and a space where young people can thrive.”
Ruby and Jayde from the Young Peoples Development Group delivered inspiring speeches about their involvement in the project, what Youth Work means to them and how the Youth Zone will support thousands of young people like them.
Ruby and Jayd, Young People’s Development Group said:
‘’One of the first things we did was the branding and the name votes where we had ended up with 4250 votes. We have also been to see youth zones the latest one we had visited was Wigan which had helped us get ideas for projects moving forward. We have also just done the climbing wall consultation which had over 1000 votes and another big thing we’re involved in is interviews. We have interviewed the CEO and the head of fundraising and at the movement we are currently planning the process of interviewing internal staff for the new youth zone roles.’’
‘’This youth zone is being built in the middle of four different areas of South Bristol, and we hope 224 will bring everyone together and show we are equal and deserve the best.’’
‘’We think it is needed because young people in Bristol have deserved this for a very long time and the opportunities, they are going to have will be incredible. Such as having access to a climbing wall and boxing gym for only 50p per session for entry.’’
‘’We are really excited for the future of young people in south Bristol with the opportunities that 224 will bring.’’
224 Youth Zone aims to create strong community connections and partnerships to deliver a vibrant and inclusive programme for the area’s young people. By bringing together supporters and the local community, it aims to enhance its exciting and diverse delivery programme.
Confirmed partners include Bristol Sport Foundation, Bristol Young Carers, WECIL, Off The Record and The Cause, who will all support young people to discover a wide range of sporting and creative activities. 224 are already in discussions with other local organisations and will soon be announcing more new partners to support the diverse delivery programme.
These collaborations will ensure that young people can access mental health support, creative outlets, sports, and new experiences, all under one roof.
Discussions are ongoing with further local organisations, and several new partnerships will be announced soon.
224 will open in Spring 2026, providing a dedicated, inclusive, and inspirational space for thousands of young people in South Bristol to feel safe, be themselves, and reach their full potential.
If you would like more information about how you can support the project, please get in touch:
Email: info@youthmoves224.org