WEST Youth Zone officially opened its doors on 21st April 2024, marking the beginning of an exciting 7-day-a-week offer for young people in Hammersmith & Fulham and beyond.
Over 1,100 members of the community joined us for the Grand Opening, which had a special festival theme – WESTival. Families and young people explored our state-of-the-art facilities, participated in engaging activities, and met our passionate team.
WEST Youth Zone was incorporated as a charity in September 2016 by Chairman, Mark Davies. However, construction only began in 2021 due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The youth zone is part of EdCity, a transformative development in West London. During construction, we hosted hard-hat tours for patrons and key community partners, keeping excitement and anticipation high.
Our Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) played a crucial role in shaping WEST Youth Zone. From naming and branding to influencing the activities, interior design, and fundraising efforts, their impact has been significant! The name WEST – Where Everyone Sticks Together – was chosen through a vote involving 2,700 local young people, with 1,895 votes selecting WEST as the clear winner.
A historic moment for WEST Youth Zone came on the 14th of March 2024, when HRH Prince William visited our facility. He engaged with staff, volunteers, and young people, participating in activities like climbing, art, basketball, and biscuit decorating. The visit highlighted the importance of providing a safe, inspiring space for young people to develop their skills and confidence.
Since opening in April 2024, WEST Youth Zone has already supported over 2,700 young people in Hammersmith & Fulham. Our goal is to welcome 1,000 visits per week, offering:
- World-class facility and 20+ activities per session for young people aged 8 – 19 (or up to 25 with additional needs)
- Having access to support through trained youth workers who really care
- Affordable membership – just £5 per year and 50p per visit
- Delicious, nutritious meals for only £1 at our BiteCity Café
Please join us in becoming a member or supporting our effort to provide a vital service to local young people in West London.