Cabinet to discuss proposed investment in Base71 Youth Zone membership for children and young people

Next week, Cabinet members will be looking to approve an investment of up to £150,000 to provide all 8-18-year-olds in Barnsley with the access to their first year of Base71 Youth Zone membership. This initiative would be another significant investment as part of the Great Childhoods Ambition programme.

Base71 Youth Zone, managed by an independent national youth charity OnSide, and located on Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, is a state-of-the-art facility set to open in January 2026.

As the first Youth Zone in Yorkshire, it will offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for young people. These include an indoor climbing wall, a 4-court indoor sports hall, a fitness suite, a boxing and martial arts room, a performing arts studio, a music suite, and much more. Base71 Youth Zone will be staffed by skilled youth workers who will help young people realise their aims and achievements.

This initiative is in line with Barnsley Council’s key priorities as part of the wider Great Childhood Ambition programme. It aims to ensure that no child or young person is left behind by providing access to enrichment experiences and opportunities to learn new skills alongside their peers.

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Support Member for Children’s Services, said: "We are committed to making Barnsley a place of possibilities and ensuring all children, young people and families benefit from the prospects that a great childhood brings.

“This investment is a testament to our dedication to providing our young people with the best opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive. We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore their potential and be inspired by the possibilities around them."

Mandy Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of Base71 Youth Zone, said: "This investment from Barnsley Council will help us make membership even more accessible, reaching young people from all walks of life and providing them with a hub of opportunity, inspiration and growth, right in their hometown. 

“Base71 is delighted to be a part of the Great Childhoods Ambition programme, building a bright future for the young people of Barnsley."

Earlier this year, Barnsley Council announced a series of significant investments to support children, young people, and families across the borough as part of the Great Childhoods Ambition programme. It includes free bus travel for under 18s through the Barnsley MiCard, a School Uniform Support Scheme providing vouchers worth £50 per primary school child and £100 per secondary school child, and Year 11 support packs to ensure students have the resources they need for their final year at secondary education.

For more information about Base71 Youth Zone, please visit their website.