£5m youth zone goes on show

LOCAL dignitaries and key decision-makers essential to the development of Oldham’s new Youth Zone will see the finished product when Mahdlo launches today.

They will get the chance to tour the building and experience the types of facilities and activities available to the young members when doors officially open on Monday.

The state-of-the-art £5million youth facility is set to benefit more than 1,500 young people in the borough within its first year of opening.

It will be open seven nights a week and will have over 25 activities ready to be utilised by members aged eight to 21. Disabled members can use it up to the age of 25.

Helen Taylor, chief executive at Mahdlo Youth Zone, said: “We are absolutely delighted to finally showcase Mahdlo to our supporters following years of hard work and commitment from within the borough.

“Mahdlo is a cutting-edge youth facility that will inspire, motivate, raise aspirations and take pride in Oldham’s young people.

“Our aim is to make a tangible difference to the lives and futures of local young people, by providing them with a safe and engaging place to spend their leisure time.”

Councillor Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham Council, said: “It gives me great pleasure to see Mahdlo open its doors and I’m sure it will become a popular, fun and enjoyable destination for our young people. Oldham has the highest proportion of under-25s in the region so it is vitally important that we offer the best facilities available for them to enjoy — and Mahdlo certainly fits the bill.

“The borough already has some outstanding facilities for young people and together with our partners we offer great activities through our year long Go! Oldham initiative, so this state-of-the-art facility can only enhance that offer.”

The capital funding for the facility was provided by the Government’s myplace scheme. It will be funded through a partnership of private and public-sector support with Oldham Council providing 40 per cent of the revenue costs.