DESPITE considerable local opposition and concerns over future funding, construction has begun on Thurrock's new OnSide Youth Zone, due to open in Tilbury in 2027. It will be called the 'OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway'.

The facility will be operated by national charity OnSide and has been created in partnership with Tilbury Towns Fund, Thurrock Council and private sector supporters.

Grants from Thames Freeport and DP World's London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LGFCIF) meant a capital funding target was reached, which gave the go-ahead to Piperhill, the project's contractors, to start work on the site at Anchor Fields. A total of £3 million from Thames Freeport and £1.3 million from DP World was donated.

Gateway Academy students and apprentices at DP World's London Gateway HQ.

Ruth Kelly, Chair of Thames Freeport, said: "Young people should be at the heart of regeneration. This new OnSide Youth Zone will provide a safe, creative space where young people in Thurrock can build confidence, develop skills and connect to the opportunities being created through investment and growth across the area. As Thames Freeport, we are proud to invest in a facility and partnership that strengthens the town and gives local young people a genuine stake in the next generation of growth."

Alan Shaoul, Chief Financial Officer, UK Ports & Terminals, DP World, said: "DP World is proud to help bring this much-needed Youth Zone to life for the young people of Thurrock. We are strongly committed to creating a positive legacy in the communities in which we operate and investing in young people in and around London Gateway is one of the most meaningful ways we can do that.

"Our support for OnSide and this project reflects our long-term dedication to creating opportunities and helping local young people to thrive in Tilbury and across the wider region."

The funding from Thames Freeport and joins initial capital support from Tilbury Towns Fund, Thurrock Council, Matchroom Charitable Foundation and other private donors.

advertisement

This announcement also marks the formal confirmation of the new Youth Zone's name, which will be 'OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway', to represent its location and connection to the surrounding area.

It will be an independent charity, with a board made up of representatives from the private sector, the local authority, OnSide and community organisations. It will be part of the growing OnSide Network of 18 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 50,000 young people annually.

Youth Zones are open 52 weeks of the year to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), for just £5 annual membership and 50p a visit. Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, two-court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym and a boxing and performing arts space, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, sensory room, and an enterprise and employability suite.

In addition to these facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available to offer guidance and holistic support, to help the area's young people to thrive.

Kevin Sadler, chair of Tilbury Towns Fund, who was previously the CEO of Gateway Learning Community, said: "As chair of the Towns Fund Board and having been involved with local schools for nearly 20 years, I am beyond excited at the thought that construction will soon start and we will welcome the first young people to our very own Youth Zone in 2027.

"This truly transformational project has been made possible through the tireless work of a great many people from the community, the Local Authority and central government, but I would particularly like to thank each of our corporate partners for sharing in our vision and committing their time, energy and financial resources to supporting the young people of Tilbury and the surrounding areas. I would also like to acknowledge the support and leadership from the very beginning from the Port of Tilbury and its parent company, Forth Ports. We are grateful that the Port continues to be a key champion of the project.

Youth workers at OnSide's existing facilities regularly talk about the 'small miracles' that happen with young people every day. I can't wait to hear about the miracles that happen in Tilbury when we finally open the doors."

OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway's CEO Bethanie Cundy, said: "I'm thrilled to step into the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment for OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway. Reaching the stage where construction is set to begin, is a huge milestone that brings us closer to creating a space where young people can feel safe, supported, and inspired. This Youth Zone will be a gamechanger for the area, and I'm excited to work with our partners and the community, to help every young person unlock their full potential."

Cllr Lee Watson spoke during a visit to Dagenham's Onside Youth Zone.

Cllr Lee Watson, cabinet Member for Good Growth at Thurrock Council added: "It is fantastic news that the capital target has been reached and work on creating this exciting new facility for young people in Thurrock has begun. Thurrock's Youth Zone in Tilbury is not a luxury; it is essential infrastructure and will underpin the strength of our community. It will act as a safe space that reflects Thurrock's heritage of hard work and resilience, that can be passed on to the next generation, it will give thousands of young people in Thurrock somewhere safe and affordable to go every day."

As work begins on site, young people are already playing a central role in guiding what the Youth Zone will become. OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway has now established a Young People's Development Group to help shape the Youth Zone ahead of opening.

Made up of 10 local young people, the group meets weekly with support from a youth worker. They are already influencing decisions on what the Youth Zone will offer and have presented at fundraising events, they are also working with a branding agency on elements of the Youth Zone's brand.

Since the idea of a Youth Zone was concieved there has been a lot of concern about its location and viability. Some of the arguments are encapsulated in this Thurrock Nub News story from June last year.