£10m contract awarded to turn disused site into youth activities centre
A construction firm known for its work in the leisure and heritage sectors has been awarded a £10m contract to build the Horizon Youth Zone complex, in Grimsby.
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, will start the preliminary works at Garth Lane in the next few months, preparing the ground and heritage-listed buildings ahead of the major build, which will begin this summer.
The disused site was formerly home to West Haven Maltings and Migar House buildings. The maltings and grain store were built in the 19th century and are listed.
Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council which is contributing towards the Youth Zone as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal.
Other key supporters include Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Ørsted, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, The Youth Investment Fund and private donors.
Business development director from Hobson & Porter, Joe Booth, said: “We can’t wait to get started on-site on this hugely beneficial project that is going to make such a difference to so many people in and around Grimsby.
“OnSide have a phenomenal track record elsewhere in the UK of operating these facilities and the positive impact they have on communities is unparalleled.
“This is a very intricate, exciting project which plays to several of our strengths; not least listed, heritage building restoration, educational buildings and the creation of sports and leisure facilities.
“Our track record in Grimsby has been incredibly strong in recent years and we are pleased to be playing our part in turning the tide for investment in the town.”
Expected to open in early 2025, the youth centre will provide thousands of young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, enterprise and employability suite.
Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide Network of 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 young people annually.
Jason Stockwood, chair of the Horizon Youth Zone, said: “As Chair of Horizon and someone who grew up in Grimsby, I am so proud we have reached this incredible milestone.
“It won’t be long before Grimsby’s young people can see the heritage buildings transformed into a space which they truly deserve. The project will also help support the wider regeneration of Grimsby Town Centre.”
