'World-class facilities’ Milestone in construction of £11m youth centre

A HUGE new youth centre in South Bristol is a step closer to completion, with the 224 Youth Zone celebrating one year since ground was broken in the construction of its £11m facility.

- Angus MCINTYRE

Members of Youth Moves' Young People's Development Group celebrate one year since the start of construction of the 224 Youth Zone; Left, Zak Dugdale, Youth Moves' head of youth, play and partnerships

The centre is on track to open with a ‘soft launch’ in spring 2026, and will offer a huge range of activities as well as helping to prepare young people for later life through workshops such as employability training.

It is being developed by local youth charity Youth Moves in partnership with national organisation OnSide and Bristol Council. Once operational, the centre aims to support up to 5,000 people each year.

Zak Dugdale, Youth Moves’ head of youth, play and partnerships, is a South Bristol boy born and bred. He said he was so excited to see the impact the new facility would have on people growing up in the area.

“I’m a local boy, I grew up in Knowle, so I really understand the barriers that some young people face in South Bristol, but (I can) also really see what an impact this is going to have,’ he said.

“(The centre will be) full delivery, seven days a week, so it’s a really, really exciting time and I’m really looking forward to next year.”