News |
Salford Youth Zone opens its doors
News |
Salford Youth Zone (SYZ) is officially open, bringing life-changing opportunities to young people across the city.
As a proud Founder Patron, Salix Homes has helped support the creation of Salford Youth Zone (SYZ), which promises to be a safe, inspiring and inclusive space for young people to learn, grow and thrive.
The brand-new, purpose-built youth zone on Belvedere Road in Pendleton was officially opened with a grand launch on Saturday, 5 July, creating somewhere safe to go, something positive to do and someone trusted to talk to for thousands of young people.
The event honoured the collective efforts that have made the project possible and showcases the transformative impact the youth zone is set to have, with over 2,500 members already registered.
Developed by the youth work charity EMPOWER, part of the national OnSide network of youth zones, SYZ will be open seven days a week, offering more than 20 activities per session for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs.
Membership is free, and facilities include an outdoor football pitch, fully equipped gym, climbing wall, dance studio, music and recording studio, training kitchen, art workshop and much more – all for just 50p per visit. SYZ will also give young people access to free meals, employability skills workshops, and trusted adults to talk to.
As a patron, Salix Homes is proud to have pledged £100,000 over four years as part of our commitment to support the early growth and long-term success of SYZ.
Members of the Salix Homes Executive Team attended the launch event alongside partners, donors, local leaders and young people.
Sarah Henderson, Executive Director of Business Services and Improvement at Salix Homes, said: “The opening of Salford Youth Zone is a landmark moment for our city and a proud one for Salix Homes. We believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and SYZ offers exactly that – a safe, inspiring space where they can build confidence, explore their potential, and feel part of something positive.
“As a housing provider rooted in Salford, our role goes far beyond bricks and mortar – it’s about investing in people and places, and supporting SYZ reflects our ongoing commitment to building stronger communities where everyone has the chance to succeed.”
SYZ has been made possible by the unwavering commitment of the Done Family, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Salford City Council. Its future is underpinned by a unique combination of funders including local authorities, individuals, the business community and grants, including patron supporters like Salix Homes.
In bringing the youth zone to the city, hundreds of paid and voluntary roles have been created from the construction phase to 100-plus full, part time and voluntary opportunities directly working for the charity. This makes EMPOWER one of the largest employers of youth workers in Greater Manchester.
Adam Farricker, CEO of EMPOWER, said: “The opening of Salford Youth Zone is an incredibly significant moment for our team and the city of Salford. After months of planning and collaboration, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our vision become reality. In a city where too many young people lack access to a safe, supportive environment, this facility will be a hub for these young people to grow and break down barriers. Having been to youth services myself, I know first-hand how life changing they can be – I’m proud to be extending this opportunity to thousands more young people. Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and Salford Youth Zone will help make that possible.”
Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “An investment in young people is an investment in a community’s future, and Salford Youth Zone is a fantastic addition to both the city of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole. EMPOWER’s success with HideOut Youth Zone (in Gorton) has shown how life-changing youth work is, and we’re extremely proud to support the team as they create a future where every young person can grow and succeed.”
