A new Youth Zone in Burnley has moved a step closer after the council confirmed £2.1 million will be set aside in its 2026/27 budget.

The funding would allow the council to continue working with national youth charity OnSide on the design and development of the scheme. The preferred site is the former Thompson Centre car park, which has been identified as suitable in size and location and meets OnSide’s criteria of being neutral, accessible and prominent.

Further details about the scheme will be presented to the council’s Executive later this year.

Clare Kanakides, director of operations at OnSide said: “Our mission is to empower young people to lead positive, fulfilled lives by bringing transformational youth work to the places it will have the most impact. A Youth Zone in Burnley will show young people that they are being invested in and bring new opportunities to grow their skills and forge real-world connections.

Coun. Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, pictured on the site of the proposed Youth Zone.

placeholder image — Coun. Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, pictured on the site of the proposed Youth Zone.

“We are thrilled to be exploring this state-of-the-art new youth space with Burnley Council and look forward to developing the project further.”

The 2026/27 budget also includes continued investment in key community assets, including Barden Track. A long standing part of Burnley’s sporting heritage, Barden Track has served generations of local athletes and clubs, and the latest investment will give the facility a renewed lease of life, ensuring it remains fit for use and accessible for generations to come.

Coun. Afrasiab Anwar, leader of Burnley Council, said: “Putting young people at the heart of our decisions is something I care deeply about. The proposed Youth Zone and our investment in Barden Track are about creating safe, inspiring spaces where young people can grow, thrive and discover what they are capable of.

“Facilities like Barden Track have played a huge role in Burnley’s sporting history, and with the right investment they can have an even bigger role in its future; supporting grassroots clubs, advocating for increased local community use, improving health and wellbeing, and inspiring the next generation of talent. Today’s young people training on that track could be tomorrow’s national and even Olympic champions.

Cllr Anwar, Leader of Burnley Council at Barden Athletics Track

“By supporting projects like the Youth Zone alongside investment in sport and community facilities, we are sending a clear message: we believe in our young people, we believe in their potential, and we are prepared to invest in opportunities that will benefit Burnley for generations to come.”

There are five new Youth Zones currently at different stages of development, including Crewe, Preston, Grimsby, South Bristol and Thurrock.

Each Youth Zone is an independent charity with its own private sector-led board. This model of local ownership is a key factor in ensuring the financial sustainability of each Youth Zone. The Youth Zone provides a way for local communities to actively support their young people between the age of 8 and 19 (25 for those with additional needs). Visit www.onsideyouthzones.org for more details.