Major transformations to one East Lancashire’s biggest youth clubs will “unlock doors for young people and equip them for the future” after completion.
The £3.1 million transformation to Blackburn Youth Zone had introduced new art technology as well as improved and refurbished amenities available to 5,000 five to 19-year-old members.
On Wednesday, April 23, the completed works will be unveiled to the 74 patrons of the Youth Zone, which mostly include Blackburn and East Lancashire businesses, who provide 40 per cent of the annual running costs.
They will be welcomed by the Youth Zone’s new chief executive, Leon Crosby.
In addition, a new facility known as Fusebox has been created in one of Blackburn’s historic buildings at the Jubilee Street site, expanding the Youth Zone’s original footprint.
Already recognised as a “best practice” youth zone, the new facilities will enable staff to increase their reach in the community and provide more opportunities to young people.
The works were enabled by the Government’s Department For Culture, Media and Sport via its Youth Investment Fund to increase the Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s services to young people in careers, leisure, culture and sports activities.
Leon Crosby said: “The funding from Government and our incredibly supportive patron network has given us a once in a generation opportunity to rejuvenate our Blackburn facilities.
“The vision for this space is bold – a cutting-edge learning and enrichment zone that will unlock doors for young people and equip them for the future.
“We can also now unveil Fusebox, the repurposing of Blackburn’s historic Gas Light Company headquarters built in 1818, which provided power and energy to the town for more than 125 years.
“We have respected and are preserving this heritage for future generations. Fusebox will serve as an inspiration designed to provide career pathways, skills training and opportunities for young people to improve themselves.
“At Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, we work hard to provide young people with a safe and supportive environment, offering inspiring activities and a spark of ambition to thousands of young people, whoever they are and whatever their background.”
A key offer is a new employment and skills hub in Fusebox, which hopes to capitalise on the Youth Zone’s success with employability and ensuring youngsters are work-ready through strong links with businesses across the area.
Additionally, there are opportunities to learn about new technologies such as AI and virtual reality equipment that is not available in schools or colleges.
Leon is the chief executive at the youth zones in Blackburn and in Darwen.
READ MORE: Youth Zone reveals how town's famous Fusebox will be upgraded
READ MORE: Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone welcomes new chief executive
Wayne Wild, chair of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, said: “Leon Crosby is going to be an outstanding leader of the two youth zones and, together with a remarkable team of youth workers, is ready and excited to meet the growing demand for our services.
“At the same time, we do face economic challenges simply to sustain the same level of resources and we are incredibly grateful for our patron network – now 74 strong – whose generosity contributes just over 40 per cent of our annual costs.
“We are always looking to grow our business network and welcome any new companies that want to join us as we inspire young people to gain skills and aspirations, to gain the best jobs in the future, genuinely levelling up opportunities for future generations.”
Blackburn Youth Zone has 5,000 members, which represents 12 per cent of the youth population who come from every ward in the town.
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