A CHARITY inspired by Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) is set to build a £6 million 'youth zone' in London.

Bolton based OnSide Youth Zones, which was set up as a charity in 2008 by Jerry Glover, former chief executive of BLGC, will work with Barking and Dagenham Council to create the site — its first in London.

The new facilities will provide children, aged eight to 19, and those aged up to 25 with a disability, with access of sport, arts, health and employability services seven days a week.

The Youth Zone is expected to be opened in early 2018, with £3 million worth of funding coming from the council, £2.1 million from the The Queen’s Trust and £1.5 million from the Jack Petchey Foundation.

The borough is the seventh most deprived in London, and has the highest population percentage of under 19 year olds in the country.

OnSide, based in the Atria building in Spa Road, has already launched clubs in Wigan, Carlisle, Manchester, Oldham, Blackburn, and plans to open new facilities in the Wirral and Wolverhampton next year.

The charity also hopes create five Youth Zones in the capital in the next five years.

BLGC has been used as a blueprint for these sites, adhering to three main principles including receiving financial backing from the business community, seeking support from people prepared to give up their time as volunteers, and seeking the support of the local council.

Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide Youth Zones, said: “This agreement represents a major boost for the community in Barking and Dagenham and a significant milestone in our mission to ensure young people have appealing and safe places to undertake healthy and productive activities in their leisure time.

“Our funding and operational frameworks have proved successful and sustainable elsewhere in the UK so we’re excited and proud that this model will be extended into London for the first time.

“The vision of the council has combined with the generosity of The Queen’s Trust and Jack Petchey Foundation to unlock a facility that will make a significant and long-term impact on future generations.”

Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, added: “Barking and Dagenham is London’s biggest growth opportunity and we have aspirations to develop this borough and make it a place that current residents and future generations can be truly proud of.

"Investing in our young people is integral to this, and this project is a fantastic opportunity to provide our young people with access to an inspiring, quality and affordable facility."