224 Youth Zone: Construction to start on huge new multi-million-pound Bristol youth centre this week

Contractors Galliford Try are due to begin building the £11m ‘224 Youth Zone’ following the completion of preparatory work, including the creation of a new access road.

224 will be located on the edge of the Inns Court estate in Knowle West, opposite the entrance to Imperial Retail Park in Hartcliffe.

A partnership between local organisation Youth Moves, national charity OnSide and Bristol City Council, the facility is expected to open in spring 2026.

The Youth Zone will enable Youth Moves, who will run the centre, to support an additional 4,000 young people in Bristol, aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs. 

Young people will be able to access over 20 activities every evening, ranging from sports such as football, boxing, and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama, and employability training – all for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.

The capital costs are being funded by private and public sector contributions, including Bristol City Council, the Government’s Youth Investment Fund and St James’s Place Charitable Foundation.

The council will also contribute towards the Youth Zone’s annual revenue costs.

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OnSide CEO Jamie Masraff said: “It’s fantastic to finally get on site and begin construction of 224 Youth Zone.

“The preparatory works have gone well, and everything is now in place to turn this vision into a reality.

“We are really excited to partner with Youth Moves to deliver this Youth Zone, and their youth workers and young people have spent time visiting other Youth Zones in the Network to see exactly what is coming to Bristol.”

Councillor Christine Townsend, chair of the council’s children and young people committee, added: "As we look towards breaking ground on the new ‘224’ Youth Zone, we’re not just starting construction on a building; we’re laying the foundation for brighter futures. 

“This new facility will provide young people in South Bristol, and across the city, with a safe space to explore their potential, build confidence, and access opportunities that can truly transform their lives. 

“I am excited to see the positive impact it will have on our communities for generations to come."

The construction milestone comes following the appointment of Matt Justice, the former head of children and youth services at WECIL, as the new CEO of Youth Moves, replacing long-standing boss Ali Dale.