We’re proud to share that 1,000 young people have already signed up as members of 224 Youth Zone ahead of our official opening. Following our successful Community Open Day, which welcomed more than 1,200 local people through our doors, these early achievements highlight both the need for, and excitement about a dedicated space for young people in our community.
The strong response reflects the growing support behind what we’re building at 224, with anticipation continuing to build as we approach our official opening on 20 June 2026, just one month away. This will mark the start of our seven-day-a-week, open access, universal youth work offer.
Building on the success of our Community Open Day, we recently invited funders, families, friends and supporters to tour the Youth Zone and see it in action. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible backing behind 224 and the enthusiasm growing across Bristol.
Our Cornerstone, Founder and Champion Patrons had the chance to experience the Youth Zone firsthand, with guests including Anne Nisbet, CEO Matt Justice and Chair of Trustees Heather Frankham enjoying activities, including the climbing wall, as they explored the vibrant new space coming to life.
The day brought together key supporters and partners, including the High Sheriff of Bristol, alongside some of our Founder Patrons: Computershare, St James’s Place, Ian Chalmers (Trustee and Founder Patron), Nisbets Foundation and the Origin Foundation. Their commitment and investment have been instrumental in bringing 224 Youth Zone to life.
We simply wouldn’t be here without the support of our Cornerstone and Founder Patrons, a network of committed businesses and individuals who are an integral part of 224. Their backing is helping us create a safe, welcoming space for young people in South Bristol, while also enabling vital education and employment pathways. Together, we’re supporting young people to build confidence, gain experience and access opportunities that will shape their futures.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Cornerstone and Founder Patrons. 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.”
224 CEO, Matt Justice
A key focus for us at 224 is working closely with employers. We are actively connecting with local and national businesses to support young people into the world of work, offering work experience placements, training opportunities and direct employment pathways. These partnerships are particularly important for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them to re-engage and unlock new possibilities.
The real strength of 224 Youth Zone lies in the combination of our 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, they provide a platform for aspiration, development and long-term opportunity.
As part of the OnSide Youth Zone network, we benefit from a proven and trusted model, with significant experience in connecting young people to new career pathways. This national network strengthens our ability to open doors and ensure young people can access meaningful, sustainable futures.
Building on this momentum, we’re excited to officially open our doors on 20 June 2026.
Our Grand Opening will be 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. 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.
We’re also calling on more businesses to get involved. By partnering with 224, organisations can play a direct role in supporting the next generation. By investing in local talent, they can help young people gain skills, access opportunities and take their first steps into employment.
“Having supported this project from the very beginning, it is incredibly rewarding to see 224 Youth Zone become a reality. Every young person, including those in South Bristol, deserves a place where they feel supported and have access to opportunities that help shape their future. 224 is where this will happen: where young people will develop new skills, grow in confidence, and feel inspired by the future.
This project would not have been possible without the belief and commitment shown by our funders, patrons, and supporters. We are deeply grateful for their support and for the shared belief that young people deserve the very best opportunities.”
224 Chair of Trustees, Heather Frankham