State-of-the-art facility on target to open in 2026

The Dome Youth Zone is moving forward at ‘rapid pace’ and is on target to open autumn 2026, according to officials.

The state-of-the-art facility, on the site of the former Oak Street car-park, will bring a wealth of opportunity to young people from Crewe and surrounds.

Operating as an independent charity with a private sector-led board, it will become part of the expanding OnSide Network of 16 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 young people every year.

Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (and up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just £5 annual membership and 50p a visit.

Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, boxing suite, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite.

As well as these fantastic facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and holistic support, helping the area’s young people to reach their potential.

The Dome will also benefit the wider community and create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as many volunteering opportunities.

Key members of staff are now in place as the project really begins to take shape.

Stuart Manifould, CEO of The Dome Youth Zone, said: “The Dome Youth Zone is now really beginning to take shape. Construction has been moving forward at a rapid pace – anyone passing near the site can see the rate at which the steels have been going up!

“We are also delighted to have welcomed our core team in place, with our Heads of Operations, Youth Work and Fundraising appointed.

“It’s a very exciting time to be part of our Youth Zone. If you’d like to help make a difference to the lives of thousands of young people in Crewe, we’d love to hear from you.”

As with all OnSide’s Youth Zones, The Dome has a Young People’s Development Group – which is a group of local young people who have engaged with the Youth Zone since its announcement, and – supported by dedicated youth workers – play a key role in shaping the Youth Zone’s future.

The Dome Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with OnSide, Cheshire East Council and supported by several businesses and philanthropists.

Founder Patrons include AO, Bentley, Mornflake, NWF Group Plc, and Radius in Crewe.

If you would like to support young people living in Cheshire East, please contact ellen.birchenough@thedomeyouthzone.org