Latest news with #SalfordLadsClub
BBC News
10-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
£15m fund to help save historic buildings across region
Four heritage sites in the North-West of England are to benefit from a raft of repairs thanks to £15m of grants. Historic England's Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, which is funded by the government, will be spent on rescuing listed buildings and sites facing dereliction or Lads Club in Greater Manchester, and Morecambe Winter Gardens, Lancashire, are among projects in the region to get a slice of the England said the work will "create amazing opportunities for people in some of the region's most disadvantaged areas". Thirty-seven projects nationwide are set to benefit from the plans, ranging from Victorian market halls to medieval churches."Thanks to this funding we are able to breathe new life into neglected historic buildings in the North West that we haven't been able to help through our existing grant schemes," said Louise Brennan, director of regions at Historic England. "We're thrilled to support projects that harness the power of heritage to make a real difference where it's needed most."The Grade II listed Salford Lads Club, founded in 1903, is set to bag £437,961 for essential repairs including roof-slate replacements, and to the brickwork. The Grade I-listed Great Barn at Gawthorpe Hall, Burnley, Lancashire, will receive £337,975 to repair the existing roof and the interior oak frame, which will allow the 15th century building to reopen after its closure in Winter Gardens, in Lancashire, is to get £767,222 for fixes to the structure and Grade II-listed National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire will receive £252,282 to deal with the wet and dry rot in its roof, as well as fixing structural timbers to prevent collapse. Read more stories from Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X.
ITV News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
New Youth Zone could be 'the next Salford Lads Club' says bosses
ITV News' Andrew Fletcher went along to the opening of Salford Youth Zone. A £13m youth zone could become a modern-day Salford Lads Club for the city's young people, bosses say. Salford Youth Zone, on Belvedere Road in Pendleton, held a launch party to mark its opening on Saturday 5 July. Eddie Hearn, Fred Done, and Salford's mayor, Paul Dennett, all attended the event to support the project. Salford Youth Zone is now the largest youth club in Greater Manchester, and located in one of the city region's poorest area. It's hoped it will be a place in the city where young people can feel safe and enjoy themselves while learning new skills and taking part in new activities. Those aged eight to 19 are welcome to get involved, and those up to 25 with additional needs. Membership for young people is free, with a 50p charge per session. More than 2,500 people have already joined up and shared their thoughts on how the Youth Zone should operate. Lacey Wrightson and Carter Gregg, both aged 16, have been part of creating Salford Youth Zone through a development group. Lacey said: 'I think it's going to help everyone, not just this generation but future generations as well. "We helped design the logo and how the place would look... like the interior of the building and the colour of the walls." Carter added: 'It's a challenge for young people being in this generation because of Covid hitting and being locked away from everything. 'This is a new way for them to explore, find who they want to be and what they want to do, and keep away from being on the streets, with crime, drugs and all that.' Adam Farricker is leading the work as chief executive of Empower Youth Zones, the charity overseeing the project. Adam said Salford Youth Zone could have as big an impact on the city as the historic Salford Lads Club. He said: 'We hope to be able to say that in 100 years we look back and look at the same heritage and impact that Salford Lads Club has had. 'I know there will be thousands and thousands of children benefitting from this place.' Salford Youth Zone was brought to life with the backing of the Betfred founder Fred Done family along with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Salford council. Fred Done was born in Salford, near where Salford Youth Zone stands. He said: 'Everyone has got behind it, this is for the kids of Salford, they need a break and this is what we've done for them, I'm just so proud to be here and being able to do this for them. 'The most important thing in all this is giving kids a break, the country is on its knees at the moment politically and financially, but this shows hope, hope is the future for these kids, that' what we're trying to do for them.' Salford Youth Zone members can use facilities including an outdoor football pitch, fully equipped gym, climbing wall, dance studio, music and recording studio, training kitchen, and art workshop. There will also be access to free meals, employability skills workshops, and trusted adults to talk to. Funders include local authorities, individuals, the business community, and grants. Joe Amos, 40, is the head of youth work at Salford Youth Zone. He said young people in the city are facing several barriers, including a lack of opportunities and struggles with mental health. He said: 'It's going to make a massive difference to young people in Salford, it's providing somewhere for them to go that's safe with a trusted person to talk to. 'It's gonna make sure young people stay off the streets, engage in positive activities, and really look at improving their opportunities for life and their future.' Salford Youth Zone leaders hope the site will help thousands of young people in Manchester and Salford to find their passion and purpose. The site will be open seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year, for young people to access in their leisure time whenever schools are closed, including during school holidays. Salford mayor Paul Dennett said: 'An investment in young people is an investment in a community's future, and Salford Youth Zone is a fantastic addition to both the city of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole. 'Empower's success with HideOut Youth Zone has shown how life-changing youth work is, and we're extremely proud to support the team as they create a future where every young person can grow and succeed.' Adam Farricker added: 'In a city where too many young people lack access to a safe, supportive environment, this facility will be a hub for these young people to grow and break down barriers. 'Having been to youth services myself, I know first-hand how life changing they can be – I'm proud to be extending this opportunity to thousands more young people. 'Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and Salford Youth Zone will help make that possible.'
