Balmoral Tanks champions Barnsley’s new Youth Zone

Balmoral Tanks is championing Barnsley’s young people by becoming the latest Base71 Youth Zone Founder Patron.

As a Founder Patron, Balmoral Tanks will contribute towards the charity’s annual running costs, which will enable the new Youth Zone to offer first class facilities, opportunities and support for thousands of young people living in and around Barnsley.

Once opened, Base71 Youth Zone will be an independent charity with a private sector-led board. It will be part of the OnSide Network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 50,000 young people annually. Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just £5 membership per year and 50p a visit.

Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, sensory room, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite. In addition to these incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and holistic support to help the area’s young people to thrive. The Youth Zone will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as numerous volunteering opportunities.

dWhen asked about the new partnership with Base71, Alan Joyce, Balmoral Tanks’ Managing Director said: "We are absolutely delighted to support Barnsley's Base71 Youth Zone. This new Youth Zone will provide first-class facilities, opportunities, and support for thousands of young people living in and around Barnsley. We believe in investing in the future, and there is no better way to do that than by empowering the next generation with the resources they need to thrive. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the community."

Base71 Youth Zone Chair Matthew Stephens said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Balmoral Tanks, a vital part of the local area, as a Founder Patron. By supporting Barnsley’s Youth Zone, they have demonstrated a fantastic commitment to the young people of Barnsley and to their local community. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to them for their support and generosity.”

Base71 CEO, Mandy Carlson said: “We would like to say a huge thank you – and a very warm welcome – to Balmoral Tanks for their support of Base71 Youth Zone. Their funding will be absolutely instrumental to help young people across Barnsley with opportunities to thrive, connect, develop essential life skills and explore their passions and talents.”

Like all Youth Zones in the Network, Base71 has a Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), which is a group of local young people who meet weekly with youth workers, developing their skills through tailored experiences, and who help make key decisions that will shape what the Youth Zone will become.

Base71 Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with OnSide, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and supported by several businesses and philanthropists. The Founder Patron campaign aims to achieve long-term sustainability, to ensure Base71 Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people’s lives for generations to come.

Base71 Youth Zone is due to open early 2026.