Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report which updated Cabinet on the findings of the Viability Study for the proposed Youth Zone in partnership with the charity Onside, as well as potential funding, sites and next steps. Members voiced their cross-party support for the scheme and noted that work on engagement in townships outside of the Youth Zone itself was being undertaken from now until the next Cabinet report expected in January 2023.
Decision:
Cabinet:
1. Noted the outcomes of the Viability Study;
2. Agreed that Bury Town Centre is the most appropriate location for the facility, to enable the project to move to the next stage;
3. Requested that the Chief Executive submit a further report in January 2023 after undertaking further work to agree the most suitable site in Bury Town Centre and develop an outline financial plan; and
4. Agreed to bring back to the January 2023 Cabinet meeting further information about how a youth partnership will be formed setting out how the targeted offer from the Council and voluntary sector will be complimentary and integrated into the Youth Zone’s wider universal offer.
Reasons for the decision:
To deliver a new youth facility in Bury town centre following a 60 week build period.
Alternative options considered and rejected:
None - Onside is developing Youth Zones around the Country and can bring additional private sector financing into Bury.