Building work on Dagenham’s new Youth Zone building, expected to open in Spring 2019, is nearing completion, with the outside of the building already finished.
Situated in Parsloes Park, builders are now fitting the staircases, along with the walls and floors, for a flagship centre that is set to include a sports hall, gym, a 3G pitch and a special room for martial arts.
Elsewhere, the Youth Zone is going to have separate rooms for music and creative work, cookery, drama and dance.
Weighing in at £6.5 million, the project is being made a reality thanks to joint funding from Barking and Dagenham Council (£3 million), the Queen’s Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation.
The Youth Zone is set operate as an independent charity, with ongoing support from OnSide, the charity behind the build. The chief executive of OnSide, Gavin Evans, said of the project: “The progress being made is unbelievable and it is amazing to think just how soon we will have our doors open for the young people of Barking and Dagenham.
“We are well underway with recruitment and interest in our roles has been very high. We have also been inundated with enquiries about working in partnership with other community groups and organisations as well as volunteering opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Darren Rodwell, said: “The youngsters in our borough can feel proud that such a historic building is coming to Parsloes Park and will change their lives.”
He added: “I am excited to see the transformation that will take place over the next few months as the clock rapidly counts down until the big unveiling next year.”
