Type=image;ImageID=4957;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=An artistic impression of The Way;TitleClass=strong;
Due to open in early 2016, Wolverhampton Youth Zone is one of 21 projects across England to share in over £7.1 million of National Lottery investment from the third round of funding.
This purpose-built £5.5 million city centre facility on Worcester Street, to be called The Way, promises an exciting range of activities including sport, fitness, dance, music, arts and media and self-improvement for young people 8 to 19 year olds, or 25 for those with a disability.
Councillor Val Gibson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "This is excellent news and a welcome endorsement by Sport England of Wolverhampton Youth Zone's plans for this new facility.
"We are committed to providing facilities for the young people of Wolverhampton, to regenerating Wolverhampton, increasing prosperity and creating opportunities for all and the development of the Youth Zone is a key part of our ambitions."
Steve Morgan, Chair of the Wolverhampton Youth Zone charity, established by Wolverhampton City Council, The Morgan Foundation and the charity OnSide Youth Zones, said: "The investment from Sport England will enable us to reach more young people from the city and get them active in sport. This will be particularly important in helping us attract young people across all communities in Wolverhampton.
"By breaking down barriers that prevent participation, our hope is that we can inspire young people to try activities they would not have had the opportunity to try before."
The £500,000 investment from Sport England will be put towards the construction of the Youth Zone, which will incorporate a multi use 3G outdoor pitch, a four court indoor sports hall, climbing wall, dance studio, martial arts and boxing room and a fully equipped gym.
Sport England Property Director Charles Johnston said: "We know people have a better experience of sport when they have good facilities in which to play. This is why we're investing in the Wolverhampton Youth Zone to improve their facilities so they are more appealing young people, and help us to get them developing a lifelong sporting habit."
Kathryn Morley, Chief Executive of OnSide Youth Zones: "On average 70% of our active Youth Zone members from across our network engage in sport and we expect similar outcomes in Wolverhampton, once The Way opens.
"Sport has many significant and long-term positive benefits for young people, helping them develop confidence and the personal, emotional and social skills needed to cope throughout life. The support of Sport England will be vital to enhancing the Youth Zone's offer so that we can engage more young people from across the city."
- released: Wednesday 20 August, 2014