Wakefield Council Plans £15m Youth Centre Using Levelling Up Funding

Wakefield Council plans to build a £15.2 million Youth Zone in the city centre, offering a wide range of activities for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Funded through government Levelling Up funding and developed in partnership with the national charity OnSide, the facility aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can socialize, learn new skills, and improve their employability and wellbeing. The Youth Zone is expected to attract between 700 and 1,400 visitors weekly and will operate daily from 8am to 10pm. Located on Ings Road, the venue will be shaped by young people’s input and complement existing youth services in Wakefield. OnSide highlights the transformational impact similar Youth Zones have had across the country, emphasizing the importance of such spaces in helping youth reach their full potential. Senior councillors are expected to approve the plans soon, with the project following a public consultation that identified a strong need for more youth social and leisure opportunities in the city centre.