More than 1,000 young people across South Bristol have already signed up as members of the new 224 Youth Zone, as bosses at the new facility announce the day of its grand opening.
The new South Bristol Youth Zone, which has been built at the top of Hartcliffe Way opposite the entrance to Imperial Retail Park, has been undergoing something of a ‘soft’ opening, as different parts of the building are kitted out, with open sessions and various different groups invited in.
But already, more than a thousand young people aged between 8 and 19 have signed up as members, which will give them seven-day-a-week access to everything from climbing walls and sports facilities to music studio, gym, rehearsal room, dance studio, and creative, cooking and games areas.
The 224 Youth Zone will formally open on June 20, which will mark the official start of its seven-day-a-week ‘universal youth work’ offer.
But ahead of that, a Community Open Day was held, with more than 1,200 people from the surrounding communities coming in to check out what the youth zone is all about.
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Guests at the open day included Anne Nisbet, from the Nisbet catering firm, whose foundation has been one of the major backers of the new facility.
Nisbets is one of the founder patrons, alongside South Bristol firm Computershare, St James Place and the Origin Foundation.
The £12 million facility has been half-funded by Bristol City Council and half-funded by local charities and foundations in and around Bristol.
The Nisbets Family, from the Nisbets Foundation (founder patrons) ahead of the grand opening of the 224 South Bristol Youth Zone(Image: YouthMoves)
“Their commitment and investment have been instrumental in bringing 224 Youth Zone to life,” said a spokesperson for 224 Youth Zone.
“224 Youth Zone would not be possible without the support of its Cornerstone and Founder Patrons, a network of committed businesses and individuals who are an integral part of the organisation.
“Their backing not only helps create a safe, welcoming space for young people in South Bristol, but also enables vital employment and education pathways, supporting young people to build confidence, gain experience and access opportunities that will shape their futures,” she added.
The chief executive of 224 Youth Zone is Matt Justice. He said he hoped the new centre would ‘create life-changing opportunities’ for young people in South Bristol.
224 Team with Chair of Trustees Heather Frankham ahead of the grand opening of the 224 South Bristol Youth Zone(Image: YouthMoves)
“We are incredibly grateful to our Cornerstone and Founder Patrons,” he said. Their belief in what we’re building here has made 224 possible, and their continued support is helping us create life-changing opportunities for young people across South Bristol,” he added.
The Grand Opening on June 20 is being billed as a ‘fun-filled day for young people, families, supporters and the wider community, celebrating everything 224 represents and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for South Bristol’.
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“With circus skills, performances from young people and a wide range of activities on offer, the day will officially open this landmark space to the community,” a spokesperson added.
After that, the work really gets underway, providing opportunities to young people in a wide range of fields.
“A key focus for 224 is working closely with employers,” the 224 spokesperson said. “The Youth Zone is actively connecting with local and national businesses to help young people move into the world of work, offering work experience placements, training courses, and direct employment pathways.
Look inside the new 224 South Bristol Youth Zone Monday 20 April 2026(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach Plc)
“These partnerships are particularly important for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them re-engage and unlock new possibilities.
“The real strength of 224 Youth Zone lies in the synergy between its state-of-the-art facilities, high-quality youth work, and strong partnerships with the business community. Together, these elements create far more than a traditional youth offer, providing a platform for aspiration, development and long-term opportunity,” she added.