One Year On From Ground Break At Vault Youth Zone

One year ago, the ground break ceremony which marked the start of the construction, and announcement of the name, of Vault Youth Zone took place.

One year ago, the ground break ceremony which marked the start of the construction, and announcement of the name, of Vault Youth Zone took place.

The ground break photocall took place on Wednesday 26^th June 2024. This saw members of the Vault Youth Zone board along with the Young People’s Development Group use a giant spade to make the first of many holes on the site opposite Preston Bus Station.

In the 12 months since this, the building has really stated to take shape. Since the ground break on 26^th June 2024…

• The build has seen 238 tonnes of steel installed.  That’s more than the weight of an average Blue Whale.
• 576 m3 of concrete has been used, that’s enough to fill 7.5 swimming pools. 
• Over 100 tonnes of waste from the site has been recycled.  This represents around two thirds of all waste. 
• The construction teams have spent a total of 43,337 on the project.
• There have been 39 subcontractors employed.  
• 21 of these subcontractors are from within a 10-mile radius of the site.  This means that the construction of Vault has provided employment for 126 local workers.
• The project has provided apprenticeships for 10 young people and 4 site labourers have taken part in social engagement upskilling.

As well as huge progress on the build of Vault, the team running the youth zone has grown massively.  When the ground break happened one year ago, Vault had four members of staff.  This has now grown to 15, with many more still to be recruited.

Vault Youth Zone will give young people from eight to 19 access to facilities and activities in sports, arts, performance, and enterprise. 

Staffed by skilled youth workers, Vault will be a space for young people in Preston to find mentors, confidants, and guides who will empower and champion them, allowing them to building connections that will pave the way for brighter futures.

Located in Preston City Centre opposite the bus station, young people will be able to try over 20 activities, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama, and employability training.

To find out more, visit www.vaultyouthzone.org