Base71 wins Sustainability and Social Impact Award at Yorkshire Property Awards

Barnsley’s Base71 Youth Zone has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to young people after winning the Sustainability and Social Impact Award at the prestigious Yorkshire Property Awards.

Through collaboration between Barnsley Council, OnSide and partners, Base71 gives young people a safe place to learn new skills, build confidence, and access new opportunities. The award recognises the project’s social impact and its investment in Barnsley’s young people.

A purpose built, state of the art facility for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Base71 offers a rooftop kick pitch, sports hall, climbing wall, fitness suite, arts and crafts room, music studio, multimedia suite, sensory room, mentoring kitchen, dance studio and boxing and martial arts gym.

Cllr Luke Wheat, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said:

"We're thrilled to see Base71 recognised with this award. The Youth Zone is much more than a building, it's a place where young people can feel safe, supported and inspired to reach their full potential.

"This award reflects the dedication that the partnership that made Base71 possible. It also shows why investing in places and opportunities for young people matters to them, their families and communities across Barnsley. 

"I'd like to thank everyone involved in delivering this fantastic project and, most importantly, the young people who are helping to make Base71 such a success."

Mandy Carlson, CEO of Base71 Youth Zone, said:

"We're delighted that Base71 has received this award. Our building was designed with young people at its heart, creating a place they want to be and a space where life-changing youth work can happen every day. 

"With almost 5,000 active members already engaging in activities that build confidence, resilience and aspiration, we are seeing the difference Base71 can make. This award is recognition of the vision, partnership and investment that brought Base71 to life and, most importantly, of Barnsley's young people and their potential."

Sponsored by Ridge, Base71 was named the winner alongside project partners OnSide Youth Zones, Triton Construction, HB Architects, Walker Sime, Ramboll, ARC Engineers, TACE, JFQube, BWB, SK Transport, EDGE, Trevor Bridge Associates and ECUS.

The Yorkshire Property Awards celebrate excellence across the region's property and construction sector, recognising projects that deliver exceptional outcomes for people, places and communities.