224 Youth Zone is celebrating a year of rapid progress on its state-of-the-art youth facility in South Bristol, a development set to transform opportunities for thousands of young people across the city, becoming the place to go in South Bristol.
One year ago, today (5 December 2024), supporters, partners, ambassadors and young people gathered on site to mark the groundbreaking moment that officially launched construction. The event brought together Youth Zone Ambassadors Ellis Genge, Geoff Barrow and Paul Holbrook, alongside representatives from Youth Moves, Bristol City Council and the Young People’s Development Group.
Thanks to contractors Galliford try, who are building the Youth Zone, the project has surged forward. The groundworks are complete, the steel frame is up, the Topping Out Ceremony has been held, the internal layout is taking shape, and the brand-new outdoor Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is already finished. Each phase is bringing 224 closer to opening its doors.
Developed by local youth charity Youth Moves in partnership with OnSide and Bristol City Council, 224 Youth Zone will support up to 5,000 young people aged 8–19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Open seven days a week, it will deliver up to 40 hours of youth provision, welcoming up to 250 young people per session, creating a safe, inspiring and accessible space for young people across South Bristol.
Scheduled to open in Spring/Summer 2026, the Youth Zone will offer world-class facilities and more than 20 activities every evening, from sport, boxing and climbing to arts, music, drama, employability, cooking, media and more, all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.
Over the past year, 224 has strengthened and expanded its network of partners. New partners including Bristol Sport Foundation, Bristol Robins Foundation, Bristol Bears Foundation, Bristol Young Carers, Knowle West Media Centre and WECIL now sit alongside Off The Record and The Cause, helping to shape an inclusive, diverse programme that supports sport, creativity, mental health, inclusion and personal development.
Prior to The Topping out Ceremony in June MP, Karin Smyth visited the site alongside Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City council.
“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.”
MP Karin Smyth, The Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), and MP for Bristol South, June 2025
Young people remain at the heart of the project. The Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) have played a pivotal role in shaping the Youth Zone’s vision, influencing branding, programme design and making key decisions. They have also become standout voices at major events, delivering powerful speeches with confidence, representing the energy and leadership the Youth Zone exists to champion.
‘’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.’’
‘’We are really excited for the future of young people in south Bristol with the opportunities that 224 will bring.’’
Ruby and Jayd, Young People’s Development Group
The groundbreaking event showcased the passion behind the project. Local rugby star Ellis Genge, who grew up nearby, highlighted the need for accessible opportunities for young people in the area. Councillor Rob Logan described 224 as “a vote of confidence in Bristol’s amazing young people.”
Shortly after the groundbreaking, Matt Justice joined Youth Moves and 224 as CEO, passionately leading the team towards opening this game changing space for young people. Over the past year he has brought organisations from across Bristol together, ensuring that 224 is a Youth Zone built for everyone.
“A year on from groundbreaking, it’s inspiring to see how far the project has come. The progress on site reflects the passion, belief and hard work of young people, partners and supporters across Bristol. 224 will be a place where young people can discover who they are, find their strengths, and access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. We cannot wait to welcome them into this incredible space.”
Matt Justice, CEO 224 Youth Zone and Youth Moves
In recent weeks the team that are set to open 224 have visited other Youth Zones across the country to see them in action.
“Seeing a Youth Zone in action is incredible, the energy, the buzz, and the powerful synergy between skilled youth workers, young people and world-class facilities is unlike anything else. You can immediately see the impact it has on young people.”
”Experiencing that firsthand makes me even more excited for what’s coming to Bristol. I can’t wait for our young people to have a space like this, somewhere they can thrive, feel supported, and be part of something extraordinary.”
Paula Langston, Head of Fundraising and Communications
As excitement builds, 224 Youth Zone is inviting local businesses and philanthropists to join as Founder Patrons, an exclusive network of supporters who will leave a legacy in Bristol, invest in local talent, and help shape opportunities for generations to come.
Founder Patrons play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Youth Zone and demonstrate a powerful commitment to young people in South Bristol.
To find out how you can support 224, please contact Paula Langston: paula.langston@youthmoves224.org
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