WE had a look inside the new £7.05 million Warrington Youth Zone ahead of its opening next month.

The facility has been 14 years in the making and will be finally opening its doors to the town’s young people on July 2.

And now Warrington's young people will have access to the charity’s ‘fantastic facilities’ that children across the country do, says chief executive Dave McNicholl.

A membership will be priced at just £5 a year or alternatively entry will cost 50p per visit and the facility is aimed at young people between seven and 16 – and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

“I am really looking forward to the opening, we have been planning this now for 14 years,” said Dave.

“While the opening is an important day, it’s also the culmination of a really long journey.”

On the opening day, there will be a parade from the Town Hall at 10.30am which will make its way to the Youth Zone on Dallam Lane for the opening at 11am.

Dave added: “We are hoping to have lots of families with young children across Warrington coming to have a look.

“The most important thing for us is that people recognise this as Warrington’s Youth Zone.

“So it’s about all the organisations that work with children and the young people being able to come here and have access to the amazing facilities.

“This is the 14th youth zone in the network across the country and it gives people in Warrington access to fantastic facilities that young people have across the country.”

So far, 900 young people have signed up for a membership and the team is hoping for around 5,000 members by the end of the year.

Dave says Warrington Youth Zone is like a 'world buffet' - there are lots of different things on offer and the charity is not a specialist in just one area.

Here is a first look inside the facility:

The charity's facility features a rope climbing wall which is fully accessible. It features 13 ropes and an overhang.

A recording studio is on site.

Chef Mani, or Patrick Manicom, will be cooking up a storm at the Youth Zone - with meals priced at just £1.

You can find an inflatable bungee run at the site.

And the Youth Zone will have a huge inflatable darts board

Using a projector, this area will be perfect for screening events.

You can find pool tables and a football table on the ground floor - which is the 'heartbeat' of the Youth Zone

A 'tsunami' of art is expected to come from the art room which will also feature a kiln. A sewing machine will be available for those wishing to repair or upcycle clothing.

The sensory room is open for everyone. It is great for those with additional needs or for any young people who are looking to reflect, unwind and relax.

It is the perfect spot for relaxation.

A gym is on site

With various different equipment, there is something for everyone at the gym.

An allotment area is outside where young people can plant fruit and veg which they can later prepare in the kitchen area. Plans for an outdoor skatepark are also in the works.

The dance studio will not only provide a space for dance and performing arts sessions but conferences and events can also be held in this room.

To add to the pool tables and football table is a ping pong table.

There is a boxing and mixed martial arts room. Pads and gloves will be provided and fitness sessions will be hosted here. According to Dave, this room provides the discipline of boxing in a relaxed space.

The sports hall is a hub for activities. Up to four different activities can take place at a time in this room - with a trampoline, bungee strap and basketball hoop available. Hockey, dodgeball, cricket and various other sports will be available here.

This is the 'heartbeat' of the Youth Zone. The set up will be rearrange to cater for various activities and events - including bowling and fashion shows.

The boxing and mixed martial arts themed room.

The board room features a nod to the Youth Zone's former chair of five years, Nick 'Hopp' Hopkinson MBE who sadly passed away last year. He donated funds to the charity and drove the building of Warrington's Youth Zone forward. This room will be used for meetings and various authorities have already tested the space out.

The health and wellbeing room is designed to boost the confidence and self-esteem of young people. They can get their hair, makeup and nails done here - as well as receive help with prom outfits with outfits donated from ASOS and Boohoo. There will also be a space to discuss personal development issues - including domestic violence and drug and alcohol issues.

The employability room is a space for those struggling in education or at risk of dropping out. Trained staff can teach young people skills - including how to iron their uniform - and provide CV support.

The training kitchen features domestic equipement and accessible sinks and cookers. It also features a dining table which allows young people to experience and enjoy a family-like dining environment.

Perhaps a highlight for many, the rooftop 4g football pitch.

A rooftop terrace will also provide a space for activities and events including an open-air cinema and star gazing.

The music room features various instruments that young people can practice on. Trained staff will be on hand to assist.

There is a range of equipment on offer in the music room.

The canteen will offer affordable meals and drinks for young people.

A dedicated podcast room is available to allow for creativity and practice.

If you are interested in becoming a member, volunteer, or donating to the charity, visit: https://warringtonyouthzone.org/ or call 01925 967277

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