Vault Youth Zone celebrates milestone as keys are handed over to building

Vault Youth Zone is celebrating hitting a major milestone as it has officially received the keys to its state-of-the-art building.

The handover marks the completion of construction on the £11.9m project, which will soon open its doors to thousands of young people aged 8–19 (and up to 25 with additional needs).

The new Youth Zone, located in the heart of the city, opposite the bus station, will offer a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space designed to help young people discover their passions, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.

Facilities at Vault include a music studio, sports hall, climbing wall, boxing gym, recording suite, fully equipped gym, art room, training kitchen, and a cafe serving nutritious meals. The facility represents a significant investment in the future of Preston’s youth.

Over the next couple of months, the building will be fully fitted out with its furniture, fixtures, and equipment to ensure it is the world class space young people deserve. Recruitment for Vault’s part-time youth work roles is also underway, following an incredible number of applications.

After staff training in the new year and the completion of roadworks outside the Youth Zone. Vault will begin welcoming its first young people through a phased opening programme.

Tim Jacques, chief executive of Vault Youth Zone, said:  “This is a hugely exciting milestone—not just for everyone involved in the project, but for the young people of Preston.

“Receiving the keys means we are one step closer to opening doors that will change lives.

"Our team cannot wait to welcome young people into a space designed for them, with them, and shaped around their needs where they can grow, create, connect, and thrive

“I would also like to thank the board of Vault Youth Zone, especially our chair Guy Topping, who have all worked extremely hard for the past 15 years to make this a reality.”

Coun Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building at Preston City Council said: “This milestone brings us another step closer to opening Vault’s doors, a fantastic development for Preston and its young people.

"This purpose-built Youth Zone is unlike anything the city has seen before. It will be a space where young people can thrive, explore new opportunities, and develop essential skills. Congratulations to the entire Vault team for achieving this incredible stage.”

Construction partners Triton officially handed over the keys following months of building, design, and collaboration with young people who helped influence the layout and feel of the facility. 

Lancashire Business View reported in July about the major economic impacts of the project has had in Preston and Lancashire.

Construction of the ambitious project has created employment for 126 local workers with 21 of the subcontractors involved from within a 10-mile radius of its location opposite Preston Bus Station in the Harris Quarter.

The Youth Zone is part of the national OnSide network, known for high-quality youth facilities across the UK.