THE leader of Thurrock Council has given an overwhelming thumbs up to a controversial project currently underway in Tilbury on a site he 'visited as a child'.

Events were held in the town yesterday (Wednesday, 3 June) to showcase the OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway site.

The development of site – and its location on a green space in Tilbury, has caused considerable controversy and opposition from local residents who question its operational value to the borough and its financial viability.

Many questions, including future funding, remain unanswered about the site – with members of Thurrock Community Forum and residents who attend it among the fiercest critics. Among others, former cabinet member of 'good growth, former councillor Lee Watson, who said she was 'a bit frightened' by the vagary surrounding the funding of the scheme.

The youth zone site.

However, work is now racing ahead on the project which is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with Thurrock Council and Tilbury Towns Fund.

Once complete, the Youth Zone will be an independent charity and part of the growing OnSide Network of 18 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 60,000 young people annually to explore their potential.

The Youth Zone has also received capital funding from Thames Freeport, DP World's London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund , Lord and Lady Harris of Peckham and Matchroom Foundation. Other key supporters include ASOS, Tilbury Green Power, Google and John Bothamley.

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Issues remain around future funding, with reports that Thurrock Council will be asked to make up an operation shortfall after the first three years – which has been estimated by some as up to £1 million.

Yesterday's event began with guests being welcomed at Tilbury Community Association for refreshments, followed by speeches from the chair of Tilbury Town's Fund, Kevin Sadler, the Youth Zone's CEO Bethanie Cundy, President of Matchroom Sport Ltd and supporter of the Youth Zone, Barry Hearn OBE, and members of the Young People's Development Group (YPDG), a group of engaged local young people who play a pivotal role in developing what the Youth Zone will become.

Barry Hearn said: "All my life I've loved nurturing talent. We know everyone's DNA is unique, so we are all good at something different. All young people should have access to places like Youth Zones to discover their talent – and especially for blue collar careers or entrepreneurs like me.

"For several years I've been supporting the Youth Zone near where I grew up in Barking and Dagenham and now I'm so proud to help bring one closer to my business HQ in Essex. Let's all get behind our young people and help them fly."

Following the speeches, guests made the short trip to the site itself on Anchor Fields, to see the construction in action, and learn about work carried out so far. These include the near completion of the foundations and underground infrastructure work, which will provide a strong base for the building, as it begins to rise above ground.

And, after work started in March this year, it will be rising very soon! The steel frame - which is the underlying structure of the building, supporting the roof, floor and walls – will start to be erected in the coming weeks. Each of these key construction milestones is paving the way to the Youth Zone's opening, which is planned for late 2027.

Thurrock Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley said: "It looks amazing. I actually used to come down to this area as a child, so it's quite hard to get my head around, actually - it's awesome.

"The size of it was way beyond what I was expecting and I'm aware of the other Youth Zones in other parts of the country, but ultimately, I can't wait for this to open.

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"You've got so many important businesses here in Thurrock and so many global companies. "There have been a lot of contributions from the private sector and also public sector organisations into the Youth Zone. It's ultimately a microcosm of how we need to progress things as we reset Thurrock as a borough council."

Stuart Rimmer, Interim CEO, Thames Freeport, said: 'We are proud to support the OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway, a transformational investment in the future of our young people locally.

"By providing a safe, inspiring space for young people to develop their skills, confidence and aspirations, the Youth Zone will play a vital role in connecting local talent to the jobs and industries emerging across the Freeport, and in and around Tilbury and Thurrock.

"This is exactly the kind of inclusive growth we are working to deliver, where regeneration, skills development and community benefit go hand in hand. We are committed to supporting the creation of jobs and long-term opportunities for local residents and investing in young people today is essential in this journey.'

Alan Shaoul, Chief Financial Officer, UK Ports & Terminals, DP World which has donated £1.3 million to the project, said: "The Youth Zone will be a fantastic resource for young people across Thurrock, providing a place where they can develop new skills, make friends and build confidence for the future.

Gateway Academy students and apprentices at DP World's London Gateway HQ where they were bried about the youth zone.

"It will also create jobs and volunteering opportunities that will benefit the wider local community.

"The DP World team at London Gateway is committed to creating a lasting positive impact in the community. Supporting the Youth Zone is a natural extension of that commitment, and it is great to see the project reach such an important milestone."

Once open, the Youth Zone will offer opportunities all year round to young people aged between eight and 18 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), for just £5 annual membership and 50p a visit.

Those 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 with boxing facilities, a performing arts space, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, sensory room, and an enterprise and employability suite.

Members of the The Young People's Development Group

The Young People's Development Group said: "The Youth Zone can help make a difference in the area to help get kids in this generation off their phones, off the street and start socialising with others."

Trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available to offer guidance and holistic support, to help the area's young people to thrive. The Youth Zone will also benefit the wider community and create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as many volunteering opportunities.

Bethanie Cundy concluded: "OnSide Youth Zone Thames Gateway would not be possible without our dedicated supporters. To be able thank them and come together today to celebrate its progress, has been fantastic.

"Not only will you find the Youth Zone's strong foundations on site, you'll also find them building among a community determined to empower Thurrock's young people."