LOCAL supporters, partners, staff and young people came together this week to celebrate a major milestone for OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway, as contractors Piperhill officially completed the roof of the new facility in Tilbury.

The Topping Out Ceremony yesterday (Wednesday, 7 October) marked another important step towards opening the Youth Zone by Spring 2027 and bringing a dedicated space for young people to call their own.

Guests toured the site and saw first-hand how the vision for the Youth Zone is becoming a reality.

Members of the Young People's Development Group (YPDG), who have helped shape the project from the very beginning, shared what the Youth Zone will mean for local young people and the difference it could make for future generations.

In a symbolic moment, they were invited onto the roof and presented with a ceremonial spanner in recognition of their role in bringing the project to life.

The £11.3 million Youth Zone is being made possible through support from public and private sector partners, including Thames Freeport, DP World's London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LGFCIF), Thurrock Council, Tilbury Towns Fund, Lord and Lady Harris of Peckham, Garfield Weston Foundation, St James's Place Charitable Foundation and the Matchroom Foundation.

Additional supporters include ASOS, Tilbury Green Power, Google, and The Finishing Line.

Together, Thames Freeport and DP World's London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund contributed £4.3 million towards the project, helping unlock construction and bringing the Youth Zone a step closer to opening its doors.

Thurrock Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Tom Kelly, was among those who visited the building.

Alison Young, Director Trade & Investment, Thames Freeport, said: "Today marks a proud and tangible milestone for Thames Gateway Youth Zone. The roof is complete, but the real achievement will be the opportunities created beneath it.

"This investment reflects Thames Freeport's commitment to ensuring local growth delivers lasting benefits for local people and the Youth Zone will give thousands of young people a safe, welcoming place to learn, build confidence, develop skills and connect with trusted support.

"It will also strengthen the wider community by bringing families, partners and businesses together around a shared ambition: helping every young person realise their potential and shape the future of Thurrock with confidence."

Guests also heard speeches from Alan Holland, Chief Executive Officer - London Gateway Logistics Park at DP World and Andy Mead, Founder of The Finishing Line.

Reflecting on their own experiences and the opportunities that helped shape their careers, they passionately spoke about the importance of nurturing talent, supporting the next generation and investing in spaces where young people can discover their passions, build confidence and realise their ambitions.

Thurrock MP Jen Craft said: "It was a pleasure to join the topping out ceremony for the OnSide Youth Zone, being one of the first people to see the new roof in place.

"Having been a supporter of this project throughout its journey, it's fantastic to see the building now taking shape.

"The Youth Zone will create countless opportunities for young people, not just in Tilbury but right across Thurrock.

"I'm really excited to see the next phase of development and, most importantly, celebrate the day when our young people can begin benefiting from everything this facility has to offer."

Once open, Thames Gateway Youth Zone will support more than 3,000 young people aged eight to 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

For £5 annual membership and 50p per visit, young people will be able to access more than 20 activities every session, from sport and creative arts to mentoring, wellbeing support and employability opportunities.

Part of OnSide's national network of Youth Zones, the facility will offer young people somewhere safe and welcoming to spend their leisure time, supported by trusted youth workers and a community that believes in them.

Bethanie Cundy, CEO of Thames Gateway Youth Zone, said: "Today's Topping Out Ceremony marks an exciting step towards opening Thames Gateway Youth Zone. Thanks to the commitment and belief of our partners, funders, supporters and local community, we're now seeing a shared vision come to life.

"This Youth Zone will belong to local young people. It will be a place where they can be themselves, build confidence, discover new opportunities and access support from trusted youth workers.

"We can't wait to see it filled with young people and become a lasting part of the community."

Members of the Young People's Development Group also delivered speeches during the event, sharing their experiences of helping to shape the project and highlighting the importance of youth work, opportunity and belonging for young people across Thurrock.

Abi, Elwen, Eliza and Mya, Young People's Development Group, said: "Seeing the Youth Zone take shape is incredibly exciting. The building itself is amazing, but what's even more exciting is what it will mean for local young people and the opportunities it will create for generations to come.

"This will be a place where young people can feel safe, make friends, try new things and find somewhere they truly belong. It won't just be a building, it will be a place full of activity, life and opportunity.

"As members of the Young People's Development Group, we're proud to have helped shape its future and can't wait to see it come to life."