THURROCK young people and a leading local councillor have been give a taste of what may be come following a visit to neighbouring Dagenham.

Cllr Lee Watson, cabinet member for good growth, was accompanied by local investors, partners and young people from Thurrock on a visit to the Future Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham to witness first hand the role Youth Zones play in supporting young people.

Cllr Watson, youth charity OnSide and young people from Thurrock who are part of the Young People's Development Group, hosted potential local investors and partners at Future Youth Zone in the heart of Dagenham on Tuesday, 14 October.

The visit brought together community leaders, business representatives and potential investors in youth services in Thurrock, to discuss how further investments in the Thurrock Youth Zone, planned to be built in Tilbury, can transform young lives in the borough.

Future Youth Zone is a purpose-built space for young people aged eight to 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs in Barking and Dagenham.

During the visit, Cllr Watson and visitors were given a tour of the incredible facilities including a sports hall, climbing wall, art studio, music room and a domestic style kitchen where children learn cooking skills.

Young people who presented at the visit called the centre a "lifeline" and a "safe space" where they can hang out with friends.

Cllr Watson said: "It was a pleasure to visit Future Youth Zone again but this time with potential investors for the Thurrock Youth Zone.

"Thurrock's Youth Zone 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.

"The Youth Zone in Tilbury will be similar in size and scope to Future Youth Zone to give thousands of young people in Thurrock somewhere safe and affordable to go every day."

Thurrock's Youth Zone, set to open in 2027, will include:

• a 2-court indoor sports hall
• Indoor climbing wall
• Fitness Suite with gym equipment
• Boxing and martial arts room
• Performing arts studio
• Film and multi-media facilities
• Teaching/mentoring kitchen
• Café serving hot nutritious meals costing no more than £1 and many other facilities.

To find out more about the plans for Thurrock's Youth Zone visit: Thurrock Youth Zone - OnSide.