The long-awaited Wigan Youth Zone is set to open its doors with a huge celebration involving the whole town.
Originally a pipe dream of renowned Wigan businessman and Latics chairman Dave Whelan, the facility near Mesnes Park in the town centre will officially open on Saturday 8th June.
During an opening evening to showcase the state-of-the-art facilities, the building is buzzing with the sounds of young people and adults trying out everything from pool to drumming.
Youth inclusion worker Ruth Ozkan said: “It’s a fantastic facility provided by patrons who really want the young people in Wigan to be challenged, to enjoy activities and to get involved with positive things.
“It’s for the young people – it’s their youth zone. They can come down here and take ownership of it.
“I love knowing that young people of all abilities can be involved in everything. I don’t know anywhere apart from school where young people can be involved on this level.”
The centre will be a hub of activity for Wigan’s young people, and was made possible by the capital funding from Mr Whelen and other Wigan businessmen Bill and Martin Ainscough.
Ms Ozkan continued: “For them to put so much money into the young people who they know will be applying for their jobs in the future is just wonderful.
“They are around all the time encouraging the workers and encouraging the growth of the place.”
Wigan Youth Zone development manager Simon Baker said: “Four years ago Wigan Youth Zone was just a dream. Now, thanks to the generosity, support and relentless energy of local people, this dream is a reality.
Mr Baker revealed details of the opening which will begin with a parade in nearby Mesnes Park, with Wigan Athletic’s recent acquisition of the FA Cup in tow.
The party will also include dance, sport, pool tournaments and the opportunity to see the building’s huge climbing wall in action before the event climaxes with a battle of the bands.
Wigan Youth Zone has also received capital support from The Premier League and the Wigan Athletic playing squad.
Ms Ozkan revealed how important it is to have support from such people – in the time they sacrifice as well as finance.
She said: “We have people from Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic coming down – people young people aspire to and to know they are involved and committing their time to it is fantastic.”
Based on the award winning Bolton Lads and Girls Club and much like other youth centres in the North West, the project has received support from the charity, Onside.
But Wigan is different in that it has been funded by private businessmen instead of central government funding.
Although Wigan Council will provide 40% of the operating costs of the facility, estimated at £400,000 per year – the local authority’s financial contribution to the construction of the building was nil.
A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “Safeguards have also been put in place to ensure the the Council’s contribution remains at an agreed level in the event that the operating costs rise beyond expectations.”
The council provided the land for the construction of the building and given planning restrictions, the value of this was estimated at £31,000 based on the alternative uses of the property.
The presence of a skate park, basketball courts, boxing ring, football pitches and climbing wall may give the impression this is a facility only for the sporty.
But deep in the heart of the building, music facilities, mentoring rooms, business enterprise projects and design rooms boasting the latest iMacs suggest most could find engagement here.
The youth zone will also be encouraging young people to produce their own magazine and could even set-up a community radio station.
The gym is fitted with equipment from the London 2012 Olympic Village, all of which is fully adaptable for wheelchair users.
Wigan Warriors captain, Sean O’Loughlin has supported the project since its inception.
Speaking ahead of the opening, O’Loughlin said: “The Wigan Youth Zone was my chosen charity for my testimonial season last year and I consider being an ambassador an honour.
“It is fantastic to see the building is finally up and I just wish I had something like it when I was a young lad instead of knocking around on the streets.
“Young people in Wigan now have a world class facility, not just in sport but in every area but it would be nice to see a future Wigan captain come through the doors.”
Wigan Youth Zone will be open seven days per week throughout the year and will costs young people 50p per visit.
It will be open for 11-19 year-olds from 4pm – 10pm and children in school years three to six from 10am – 2pm at weekends.
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