Groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of the new Salford Youth Zone

Set to open in 2025, local officials, community leaders, and supporters gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony (20 May 2024), marking the beginning of a project set to empower young people whilst adding to the overall growth of the city. 

Located on Belvedere Road, Salford Youth Zone (SYZ) will serve as a safe and inclusive hub for young people, providing a variety of educational, recreational, and developmental opportunities. It was made possible through the generous funding and vision of esteemed Salford businessman and philanthropist, Fred Done, with additional funding from the Youth Investment Fund and Salford City Council alongside Empower Youth Zones’ family of funders, cornerstone Patrons and business investors. 

This purpose-built facility is equipped to deliver over 20 activities per session, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. Empower Youth Zones is the youth charity responsible for overseeing the operations of both HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton and Salford Youth Zone. 

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Cllr Teresa Pepper, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Susan Lomas OBE DL, Cllr Michelle Barnes, MP Rebecca Logn Bailey and City Mayor Paul Dennett, who each shared their excitement and optimism for SYZ’s future.

SYZ represents a new narrative for the city, one that champions the achievements and growth of young people, one that aims to provide children and young people of Salford a chance to ignite their passion, empowering them through opportunities and to reach their full potential. Beyond its direct benefits to young people, SYZ also holds promise for the wider area through mentoring schemes, jobs and volunteering opportunities creating a positive, vibrant hub of activities encouraging community cohesion.

Find out more about SYZ’s groundbreaking event and watch their video.