The first glimpse into the future for children in Barking and Dagenham was given this week as the doors to the OnSide Youth Zone were opened for the first time.
The region is set to make history in spring 2019, when the £6.5 million development opens, transforming the lives of youngsters in the borough.
The development will give young people access top-class facilities such as a four-court sports hall, 3G kick pitch, giant climbing wall, music room with a recording studio, performing arts studio, gym, art room and much more, all of this will be available to youngsters for just 50p per visit.
A number of organisations have banded together to cover the costs of the development, with construction costs contributed by Barking and Dagenham Council, the Jack Petchey Foundation, The Queen’s Trust and The Seroussi Foundation.
On top of that, the annual £1.3 million running costs have been funded through contributions from a number of local businesses, grants and philanthropists.
Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council was among the guests attending the Parsloes Park site and was taken through the various rooms to see how the building will take shape.
He said: “The Youth Zone is looking amazing and it is everything we hoped it would be. The vision was to have a gem in the centre of the borough and we are certainly achieving that.
“This facility is going to support thousands of young people and that is incredible when you think about what will be on offer for them.
“I am looking forward to seeing the big opening and seeing our youngsters have the best facilities in London. That puts pride in the community and that is why we are one borough, one community and no-one is better than Barking and Dagenham.”
