ON the even of tomorrow's (May 6) local elections in Basildon, West Ham United star and club legend Mark Noble has expressed his support for the council's proposed new youth zone.

Nub News reported in March that planning permission had been granted for the £8.4million project led by the national charity for young people OnSide, which has 14 similar Youth Zones in its network throughout the country.

Basildon Youth Zone will be the first of its kind in Essex and will give young people, aged eight to 19 or up to 25 for those with additional needs, somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, seven days a week. It will cost just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit. Facilities will include:

A 4-court indoor sports hall

An indoor climbing wall

A Fitness Suite, combining state-of-the-art gym with boxing and martial arts facilities

A performing arts studio

A music suite with instruments and recording equipment

A large open plan recreation area

Project rooms, including arts, crafts, health, wellbeing and fashion

Film and multi-media facilities

A teaching/mentoring kitchen

A café serving hot nutritious meals for £1

A multi-use games area/ kick pitch with floodlights

A breakout room to include activities such as employability workshops, discussions, projects and youth participation

One of the Youth Zone's key features will be the relationships its youth work staff garner with young people to support them.

Expected to open in 2023, the Youth Zone will be located in the town centre, in the car park opposite Trafford House and off Ashdon Way as part of regeneration plans for Basildon town centre. It will be delivered by OnSide, which is working in partnership with Basildon Council.