Bishopthorpe Wind Farm Ltd, which is owned by Greencoat UK Wind, has partnered with Horizon Youth Zone to support the town’s young people by becoming a Cornerstone Patron.
As a Cornerstone Patron, Greencoat UK Wind will make a substantial contribution towards the charity’s annual running costs, which will help the new Youth Zone provide first class facilities, opportunities and support for thousands of young people living in Grimsby. This follows their previous donation to the building costs of the Youth Zone.
Once opened, Horizon Youth Zone will be an independent charity with a private-sector led board. It will be part of the OnSide Network of 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 55,000 young people annually. Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit. Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, enterprise and employability suite.
In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available 7 days a week to offer guidance and support to help Grimsby’s young people to thrive. It will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as volunteering opportunities.
Greencoat UK Wind PLC is the leading listed renewable infrastructure fund, with investments in 49 operating windfarms, including Bishopthorpe Wind Farm in Grimsby since 2017. Through its community benefit funds, Greencoat UK Wind provides support for social enterprise initiatives in the communities it operates in.
When asked about the new partnership with Horizon, Stephen Lilley at Greencoat UK Wind said: “Investing in the future means more than just sustainable energy. Supporting the Horizon Youth Zone is an extension of our dedication to sustainable development, aligning clearly with our vision of fostering community growth and resilience through meaningful projects. By becoming a Cornerstone Patron for Horizon Youth Zone, we are not just funding facilities; we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for the youth of Grimsby.”
Horizon Youth Zone Chief Executive Lucy Ottewell-Key commented: “I just want to say a huge thank you to the Greencoat UK Wind team for their generous support, we wouldn’t be able to deliver Horizon Youth Zone without them. Their generosity means that we will soon be able to provide thousands of young people with access to dedicated support from youth workers and countless activities that will help to transform their lives.”
Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with OnSide and North East Lincolnshire Council and is supported by a number of businesses and philanthropists. Last year it was confirmed that thanks in part to a grant from the DCMS’s Youth Investment Fund, all of the building costs for the Youth Zone have now been raised. Focus remains on raising the annual running costs, which will come from private sector and philanthropic donations, including a contribution from North East Lincolnshire Council.
Work has now begun on site and the Youth Zone is due to open in 2025.