Youth zone to move into larger premises

Youth Zone Darwen is set to move into new premises in the town centre to help keep up with the increasing demand for its services.

The charity will set to call Over Darwen House on Railway Road, the former Britannia Building Society building, its new home.

It will open seven days a week, offering sessions for young people every weeknight, as well as weekends and school holidays.

The improved facilities will include a brand-new well-being zone, creative workshop space, recording and DJ studio, gaming zone, and multi-games spaces. It’s also more accessible for Youth Zone’s young users too.

Hannah Allen, chief executive of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, said: “This move to bigger premises is testimony to the hard work of our team in Darwen and the young people across the area who really have adopted the Youth Zone as their own.

“We now have more than 250 young people visiting Youth Zone Darwen every single week, and this move will boost what we can offer and help us keep up with the demand.

“We sincerely thank our patrons and Blackburn with Darwen Council for recognising the importance of investing in services for Darwen’s young people and helping us achieve such incredible growth in such a short time."

Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone is supported by patrons – businesses from across the area - who help pay for 38 per cent of the charities’ running costs each year.

In the last two years, the number of patrons has impressively gone from 32 to now 71 patrons. Due to this support, Youth Zone Darwen is able to offer free membership, free entry and free hot meals to all members.