Base71 Youth Zone shortlisted for RTPI planning excellence award

We’re delighted that Base71 Youth Zone has been shortlisted in the RTPI Yorkshire Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, which recognise the best plans, projects and people shaping our communities.

This shortlist recognition celebrates Base71 as a state-of-the-art facility and landmark development in Barnsley. Since opening in January as Yorkshire’s first Youth Zone, Base71 has provided a place for young people across the borough to grow and connect.

Base71, part of a network of Youth Zones created by national charity OnSide, demonstrates how planning vision and partnership working can deliver real values for our community, putting people at the heart of development. The Youth Zone not only supports Barnsley’s ongoing regeneration, but also contributes to positive outcomes for children and young people through a dedicated space for them to develop skills, build confidence, and access new opportunities.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony, which takes place on Thursday 2 July.

Cllr Andy Cudworth, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said:

“Being shortlisted for an RTPI award is a real testament to the strength of planning and partnership behind Base71, which has transformed a key town-centre site into a facility delivering high-quality activities for young people in Barnsley. Projects like Base71 really demonstrate how effective planning can go beyond the physical development of a site, helping to create places that support our communities.”

Mandy Carlson, CEO of Base71 Youth Zone, said:

"Being shortlisted for these prestigious awards is a great honour, and really goes to show the impact planning facilities like this can have on a community. We are delighted that our work is reaching so many young people and their families - since we opened in January, we have grown our membership to over 7,000 young people across Barnsley. We are proud to be part of the regeneration of our town."

You can find the full shortlist on the RTPI’s website. Being shortlisted follows Base71’s nomination in the South Yorkshire Property Awards, which acknowledge the best completed projects, deals and industry individuals in the region.