Opening date set for Yorkshire’s first-ever 'Youth Zone' in Barnsley
Base71 aims to bring activities and support to young people in the district
An opening date has been set for Yorkshire’s first-ever Youth Zone - Base71 in Barnsley.
The brand new centre, run by charity OnSide, will officially open its doors on January 17 2026.
Base71, located on Schwabisch Gmund Way opposite the train station, will provide a state-of-the-art facility for young people aged 8–19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
The facilities include a sports hall, gym, music and recording studios, arts and crafts rooms, dance studios, and areas to unwind.
Members will also be able to enjoy hot, healthy meals for just £1.
Base71 is run by a team of professional youth workers and volunteers.
Barnsley Council has contributed to the funding of the centre, with the ASOS Foundation providing £1.2 million towards construction and running costs.
Base71 CEO Mandy Carlson said: “We are so grateful to Barnsley Council, ASOS, OnSide and all our stakeholders who have worked with us to get to this incredible milestone of announcing our opening date."
"During the past two months we have welcomed thousands of young people into our building for taster sessions and their response to Base71 has been better than we could have imagined.
"We have already exceeded our membership targets for opening and are very excited about opening our doors to Barnsley’s young people."
Cllr Ashley Peace from Barnsley Council said: “We’re excited for the opening of the Base71 Youth Zone in January, and we can’t wait for children and young people across our borough to have a new state-of-the-art space to socialise, develop new skills, and access a range of fantastic facilities and activities.
"As part of our Great Childhoods Ambition, we’re really pleased to be covering the £5 annual membership fee for the first year for all eligible young people aged 8 to 18 in Barnsley.
"This is an exciting time for our borough, and I look forward to celebrating this fantastic new chapter for Barnsley’s young people".