Bristol’s youth work community has been taken aback by the unexpected resignation of the chief executive of Youth Moves, the charity behind the city’s first multi-million-pound Youth Zone. The sudden departure, coupled with a recent political shift in the city, has raised concerns about the future of the ambitious £11 million project set to establish a state-of-the-art youth centre in South Bristol.
The former chief executive reflected on his tenure with Youth Moves, expressing pride in the charity’s achievements and optimism for its future. He described leading Youth Moves as the highlight of his career, having overseen the organisation’s significant growth, national and regional award wins, and the inspiration of many young people in South Bristol. He expressed his gratitude to the dedicated staff, trustees, and partners who supported the charity’s journey and affirmed that the development of the 224 Youth Zone is a remarkable legacy as he steps down.
The Youth Zone, named ‘224’ by local young people, is envisioned as a transformative space offering comprehensive sports, arts, and recreational facilities alongside essential support services. This project was a key initiative under the previous Labour administration. Despite some local opposition and concerns over funding reallocations from existing youth services, the project received planning permission last year, with an anticipated opening in 2025.
The resignation coincides with the Green Party’s recent electoral gains, which saw them nearly secure a majority in the Bristol City Council. Some Green Party councillors had previously voiced reservations about the Youth Zone, leading to speculation about potential changes to the project’s trajectory. However, OnSide, the national youth centre provider partnering with Youth Moves and the City Council, reassured that the project remains on course.
OnSide confirmed that preliminary works and the construction of a new access road are well underway, with building construction set to begin soon. Addressing the recent leadership change at Youth Moves, OnSide stated that the plans for the Youth Zone’s day-to-day operations remain unchanged, with Youth Moves set to manage the centre once it opens.
The charity’s chair, who founded the UK’s largest apprenticeship provider, praised the former chief executive’s contributions and expressed confidence in the charity’s future. She highlighted the charity’s achievements under his leadership, including winning numerous awards and forging the partnership with OnSide to bring the Youth Zone to Bristol. She acknowledged that while the former chief executive leaves behind a significant legacy, the charity is well-positioned for its next phase.
Despite significant changes in leadership and political administration, the commitment to the Youth Zone project appears steadfast. The collaborative efforts of Youth Moves, OnSide, and Bristol City Council are focused on realising the vision of a vibrant, supportive environment for South Bristol’s youth.
As construction progresses, the project team remains optimistic about meeting the 2025 opening target. The 224 Youth Zone is set to become a cornerstone of youth engagement in South Bristol, promising to enrich the lives of young people in the community for generations to come. The continued dedication of all parties involved ensures that this transformative initiative will move forward, providing much-needed facilities and support to the area’s youth.
In conclusion, while the departure of Youth Moves’ chief executive marks the end of an era for the charity, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter for both the organisation and the Youth Zone project. The unwavering support from OnSide and the local community ensures that the vision of a dedicated youth centre remains very much alive, poised to make a lasting impact on South Bristol’s youth.
