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Thursday 21st September 2017 marked the first VIP site tour of Chorley Youth Zone since the steel superstructure installation and Capital Supporters and Founder Patrons were invited to the exclusive event to see first-hand the construction progress of ‘Inspire’ and learn more about how their support will help change the lives of Chorley’s young people.

Over 30 VIP guests including representatives from Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, The Queen’s Trust, and a number of Founder Patrons organisations, gathered on Chapel Street, Chorley, alongside Chorley Youth Zone Chairman, Andrew Turner, who welcomed them to the £4.8million development.

Guests were guided through the soon-to-be-completed Century Youth Zone, which will host an array of activities including state-of-the-art gym, dance studio, football pitch, climbing wall, arts room and more over three impressive floors.

Expected to open in spring 2018, Chorley Youth Zone, named ‘Inspire’ by local young people, will be a place where young people can reach their full potential, grow their dreams and achieve their goals.

The Youth Zone will offer a wide range of activities for thousands of young people aged between eight and 19, or up to 25 for those with a disability, including; dance, sport, music, media, employability and mentoring programmes. Inspire will cost young people just £5 per year and 50p per visit.

The project is being run in partnership with Chorley Council, Lancashire County Council, The Arts Partnership and OnSide Youth Zones.

Andrew Turner, Chairman of Chorley Youth Zone and Chairman of Chorley Group commented:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Capital Supporters and Founder Patrons to today’s site tour of Inspire. It is thanks to their generous support that the dream of Chorley Youth Zone is now becoming a reality.

“Together we are building a brighter future for Chorley’s young people. It will make a huge difference to have this safe and inspiring place where young people can discover their talents, build their confidence and aspire to lead healthier and happier lives. I urge the business community to come forward to support Inspire, ensuring that we open the doors with a first class offer!”

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said:

“It’s great to see the Youth Zone starting to take shape as it will provide fantastic facilities for the young people of our borough to benefit from. There’ll be plenty to do for young people of all abilities and interests and will be a place they can have fun but also learn new skills.”

Nigel Bate, Director, Carrington Workwear commented:

“As a Capital and Revenue supporter of Inspire, it was great to take a tour of the building, knowing that we are moving closer to the grand opening. It is a brilliant initiative and I’m so pleased that we’re playing a part in supporting Chorley’s young people and giving something back to the community.’’


VIP Tour of Inspire

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MATTHEW HIRST

Matt Hirst is the CEO of leading energy technology provider ESG with over 700 staff and operations in the USA, Canada and the UK. ESG’s UK headquarters are based in Chorley, Lancashire.

 

ESG empowers global leaders in energy to deliver on the future promise of energy through its SAAS solutions for Customer and Market Data Management and Smart Metering. Matt has a background in Sales and Marketing and led a MBO of UK company Utiligroup in 2014 before it was acquired by ESG in 2017 and has been with the business for 24 years. Matt won an EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2016 as well as being a judge in 2018 and in 2017 his team was awarded the UK Regional and National Mid Market Management Team of the Year awards by the BVCA. Matt holds a BSc (Hons) degree from The University of Salford and a MBA from Lancaster University.

Ryan powell

head of operations

Hi, I’m Ryan and I’m the Head of Operations at Inspire Youth Zone.

Email: ryan.powell@inspireyouthzone.org

Inspire Youth Zone