Construction starts on city’s ‘Youth Zone’

Construction of the 224 Youth Zone in Bristol has started.

Preparatory works, including the building of a new access road, are now complete meaning contractors Galliford Try will begin construction of 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 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.

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.

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.”