Inside the Vault: First look at Preston's new Youth Zone

Young people and supporters got their first glimpse of the new state-of-the-art Vault Youth Zone, as construction reached its latest major milestone.

The new multi-million pound building, located on the corner of Tithebarn Street and Crooked Lane, is now water-tight, meaning the roof is in place.

The Young People's Development Group (YPDG), which has been helping to shape the development of Vault Youth Zone, joined supporters for their first guided tour of the building, getting a sneak peek of how their new facilities might look.

The YPDG is a key part of bringing Vault Youth Zone to life for Preston's young people. The group has helped design and develop the Youth Zone, including creating Vault's brand, hoardings and interviewing staff. Their next challenge will be to help develop the look and feel of the Youth Zone's interiors.

The group said:

"Finally getting to see the Youth Zone was amazing. From the outside it looks incredible but inside it's mind-blowing. It's coming together and we can't wait to see it filled with young people, enjoying having someone amazing to go to."

The project's development has been made possible through partnerships with Preston City Council, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport's Youth Investment Fund, and Preston's Towns Fund Investment Programme, along with support from private sector contributions.

Vault Youth Zone's CEO, Tim Jacques, said:

"To watch the building take shape since the completion of the steel frame at the end of 2024 has been incredibly exciting.

"It's fantastic to welcome our supporters to site so they can see their investment in the city's young people first-hand and, of course, our remarkable YPDG. Together they have turned Vault Youth Zone from a dream to a reality!

Set to open in late 2025, the Youth Zone will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a climbing wall, music room with built in recording studio, performing arts space, arts and crafts, a maker zone with 3D printing facilities and sports amenities, including an inside football pitch, boxing gym, sports hall and fitness suite, ensuring a diverse array of activities for young people aged eight to 19 (or up to 25 for those with additional needs). The Youth Zone will also provide hot meals for just £1, fostering a safe, inclusive, and affordable environment.

The Youth Zone expects to welcome over 4,000 young people within its first year of opening.

Chris Hayward, Director of Development and Housing, at Preston City Council, said:

"We're incredibly delighted to see Vault Youth Zone take shape—there's no doubt this will be an impressive building supporting young people in Preston for years to come.

"It's a fantastic achievement by all involved to reach this stage so quickly. Opening in 2025, Vault is another exciting addition to the Harris Quarter, complementing Animate, which has already opened its doors, and the nearby Harris Museum."

Chair of Preston's Towns Fund Strategic Board and deputy vice chairman of the Vault, John Chesworth, said:

"Vault Youth Zone has been a long time in the making, but it will make a huge social and economic impact in the city by providing a safe place for young people to come and shape their future. The building also adds to Preston's ongoing regeneration and contributes to making the Harris Quarter a vibrant place to come to."

This milestone highlights the charity's commitment to supporting Preston's youth and fostering a vibrant, engaged community. As the building progresses, Vault Youth Zone continues to seek support for its annual running costs and build momentum towards its opening.

To find out more, contact enquiries@vaultyouthzone.org.

Notes to Editors 

About OnSide

OnSide is a national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose. 

To find out what they've got and where it could take them. We fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound Youth Zones in the country's most economically disadvantaged areas. 

We train the amazing people that run them. We offer continuing support - and the nationwide OnSide Network where they can learn and grow, share their stories and celebrate their success together. 

These are brand new, purpose-built spaces fizzing with energy, and crammed with incredible facilities. They offer 20 activities each night ranging from football, climbing and media to skating, DJ-ing, drama and employability training with entry costing just 50p along with a £5 membership. 

They are staffed by skilled and dedicated youth workers who truly believe in young people - helping them see what they could achieve, and giving them the skills, confidence and ambition to go for it. 

Over 55,000 young people are already members across the OnSide network at our 15 open Youth Zones in: 

• Barking and Dagenham (Future) Youth Zone
• Barnet (Unitas) Youth Zone
• Bolton Lads & Girls Club
• Blackburn Youth Zone
• Carlisle Youth Zone 
• Chorley (Inspire) Youth Zone
• Croydon (Legacy) Youth Zone
• East Manchester (HideOut) Youth Zone 
• Hammersmith and Fulham (WEST) Youth Zone 
• Manchester Youth Zone
• Oldham (Mahdlo) Youth Zone
• Warrington Youth Club
• Wigan Youth Zone 
• Wirral Youth Zone (The Hive)
• Wolverhampton (The Way) Youth Zone

There are seven new Youth Zones currently at different stages of development in addition to Crewe, including Barnsley, Preston, Grimsby, Salford, South Bristol and Thurrock. 

Each Youth Zone is an independent charity with its own private sector-led board. This model of local ownership is a key factor in ensuring the financial sustainability of each Youth Zone. The Youth Zone provides a way for local communities to actively support their young people between the age of 8 and 19 (25 for those with additional needs).