Wolverhampton Youth Zone: New backer comes forward as opening nears

Social enterprise Bromford, which provides affordable housing and housing support services across the country, has become a founder patron of the site, to be called The Way, and will invest £25,000 a year over the next three years towards its development.

The company will also discuss how it can get customers and members of staff involved with employment and volunteering opportunities at the the youth centre.

Bromford director John Wade said: "We are delighted to confirm our support for this exciting project.

"With over 2,600 customers and more than a quarter of colleagues living in Wolverhampton, we are ideally placed to get involved and share a determination to improve the lives of young people, believing that everyone has the potential to be the best they can be.

"We have lots of ideas so we look forward to developing other opportunities together in the months and years ahead."

The Worcester Street site, which is expected to open in early 2016, will include start of the art facilities including a music room, a 3G football pitch, enterprise media suite, climbing wall, multi-use four court sports hall, café, dance studio, gym, cooking area, general recreation area and more.

It will be open for young people aged 8-19, or up to 25 for those with disabilities, every day of the year.

The project is being spearheaded by Wolves chairman Steve Morgan and has also been backed by One Direction's Liam Payne, originally from Bushbury, who made a surprise appearance at the centre's 'topping out' ceremony in April.

Bosses have predicted that around £10 million will be invested in young people in Wolverhampton via the city's new youth centre.

Alice Davey, general manager at The Way said: "The Way will enable the young people of Wolverhampton to raise their aspirations and develop confidence, creating a happier, healthier generation. "We are thrilled that Bromford is supporting us as we share a common goal.

"We have seen from other Youth Zones across the country that there are proven benefits to health and wellbeing, as well as improved relationships at home and at school, better results, greater awareness of the risks of alcohol and drugs, more taking regular exercise and huge reductions in anti-social behaviour."

The Way is based on existing Youth Zones in Carlisle, Oldham, Manchester, Blackburn and Wigan, which were all created in the image of the original Bolton Lads and Girls Club model, set up over 125 years ago and one of the first organisations in the North West to recognise the importance of providing young people with a safe haven to spend their free time.