To mark six months until the opening of Wolverhampton’s new Youth Zone, two of The Way’s national supporters, The Queen’s Trust and St James’s Place Foundation, came to Wolverhampton yesterday to see the site and meet members of the Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group who have helped shape the facility.
The supporters saw for themselves the significant progress of the Youth Zone’s construction work, as the superstructure nears completion and the all-weather 3G pitch is prepared for installation in late August.
Internally, the building is progressing equally well, with the sports hall equipment fit-out having started on site. The feature glazing to the climbing wall looks impressive, whilst decoration has started in each room within the building with electrical work also under way.
Nicola Brentnall, Director, at The Queen’s Trust said: "We had a great day, meeting the team from The Way and particularly the young people from the Development Group, who shared with us all they have done on the project and what The Way will mean for Wolverhampton. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support this project and to bring the Youth Zone offer here. We are funding Youth Zones in Wirral, Preston and in London and have seen how brilliantly they help young people to succeed."
Malcolm Cooper-Smith, Trustee of St James’s Place Foundation commented: “Here at the St. James's Place Foundation, we were all taken-back by the scale and scope of the facility which will benefit young people of Wolverhampton. Construction work is gathering pace and before we all know it the Youth Zone will be open. We cannot wait to see those doors open and hundreds of young people have their lives changed for the better.”
The Queen’s Trust and St James’s Place Foundation are part of a group of nine capital supporters, including The Morgan Foundation, Sport England and The Football Foundation who have united to back the Youth Zone to the tune of £5.5 million. Wolverhampton City Council is also investing more than £3m in The Way – towards both the development and running costs.
And that backing continues as The Way Youth Zone is also delighted to announce that B. E. Wedge Holdings Ltd and Keltruck are the latest capital supporters to come on board.
B. E. Wedge Holdings Ltd is the holding company for leading galvanizing businesses in the UK, Europe and the USA, including Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd the largest galvanizer in the UK with 14 sites across the country.
Keltruck Limited is the largest independent Scania dealer in Europe serving the Midlands and South Wales from its 21 dealer points.
The Way General Manager, Alice Davey said: “A huge thank you to all our capital supporters who attended the site yesterday. It was fantastic to see everyone uniting for the single cause of helping young people. Their support is vital and we are also delighted that Wedge Galvanizing and Keltruck have also come aboard to ensure our dream becomes a reality.”
The capital investment is further underpinned by revenue support from dedicated Founder Patrons, a group of individuals, companies and education providers, united by the same aim; to help Wolverhampton’s young people lead healthier, happier and more aspirational lives by giving them somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.