We’re pleased to share that works on the Bristol Youth Zone is now complete.

This project marks the latest in a growing number of Youth Zones we’ve delivered in partnership with OnSide, and another step forward in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where young people can feel safe, supported and inspired.

Located next to Hartcliffe Way and sited adjacent to Inns Court Open Space, the new building will soon open its doors as 224 Youth Zone, the new name for Youth Moves, chosen by young people themselves (2- “Today”, 2-“Tomorrow” 4- “Forever”). Designed for ages 8–19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), the Youth Zone provides space for more than 20 activities, from sport and climbing to music, creativity, mentoring and employability support.

Designing for access, inclusion and everyday use

From the outset, this Youth Zone came with a clear and well-established brief from OnSide, built on experience across their national network. Our role was to take those principles and adapt them carefully to the South Bristol site.

Unlike many Youth Zones, this one isn’t located in a town centre. Instead, it sits between two  residential areas, close to a ring road and retail park. That brought both opportunities and challenges. The site was generous, but steeply sloped, with significant level changes across it.

In response, the building has been carefully shaped into the landscape. A long, gently sloping approach makes arrival straightforward and inclusive for everyone, whether arriving on foot, by bike, public transport or dropped off in a car. The sports hall, which is the largest space in the building, is tucked into the site to reduce its visual impact on nearby homes, helping the building sit comfortably alongside its neighbours.

“This Youth Zone is all about creating a place that feels open, welcoming and easy to use. The site had its challenges, particularly with levels and its relationship to nearby homes, but that pushed us to be more thoughtful in how the building sits in the landscape. Seeing it completed, with these generous, light‑filled spaces ready to be taken over by young people, makes all that work worthwhile.”

Simon Green, Project Architect, seven architecture

A building that feels open and generous

Inside, the heart of the Youth Zone is a double-height recreation space that runs from the entrance all the way through to the sports hall. Flooded with natural light and naturally ventilated using roof-mounted windcatchers, it’s designed to feel open, calm and welcoming as soon as young people arrive and houses areas for social interaction, such as the cafe and informal seating areas.

From here, the building branches out into a wide mix of spaces that can support very different needs and moods: creative and performance spaces, climbing and fitness rooms, mentoring kitchen facilities, and quieter places to spend time when things feel overwhelming.

Inclusion was a key driver throughout the design. The building includes a fully fitted inclusion room, generous accessible changing facilities, and clear, legible routes through the building, helping ensure the Youth Zone works for everyone who uses it.

Learning from experience – and adapting to each place

Having worked on several Youth Zones with OnSide, we understand the importance of designing buildings that are flexible, robust and able to support a wide range of activities. These are busy places, used differently by children of different age groups, often for long hours each day.

Working within OnSide’s well-established Youth Zone model, our focus is on creating spaces that can adapt over time. By avoiding overly prescriptive layouts and designing in flexibility from the outset, the building can respond naturally to how staff and young people choose to use it, both now and as needs evolve.

At Bristol, that approach runs through the whole building: from large, open areas that can host everything from games to socialising, to smaller spaces that can change purpose as programmes and priorities develop.

Part of a wider partnership

Completing the Bristol Youth Zone adds to a growing body of work with OnSide, including projects in Warrington, Birkenhead, Crewe and elsewhere. Each Youth Zone is shaped by its place, but all share the same ambition: to give young people a high-quality environment where they can belong, build confidence and access opportunities.

We’re proud to have played our part in bringing this project to life and to see another Youth Zone ready to support its community for years to come.