Members of Horizon Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group (YPDG) have had their first look inside the newly built, purpose-designed Youth Zone, now being fitted out ahead of opening to the public in early 2026. The visit marks a milestone in a five-year journey that began in the Grimsby town McDonald’s, where local young people first imagined what a Youth Zone could be - and committed to building it together.
Since that first conversation, young people have been involved at every step: choosing the logo and colour palette, shaping the activity offer, and even interviewing and helping appoint the staff who will soon welcome members through the doors.
Ørsted was the first major company to back Horizon Youth Zone, committing £1 million and demonstrating confidence in the vision from day one. Beyond financial support, Ørsted has actively volunteered to enrich opportunities for local young people - supporting them to present to business leaders and officials, hosting media tours of new offshore wind vessels, and delivering talks and tours for groups across North East Lincolnshire. This hands-on partnership has helped give young people unique experiences, skills and a platform to be heard.
The young people got to see the spaces coming to life for sport, creativity, socialising and support - reflecting youth input from concept to design. From the branding and colours chosen by the YPDG now installed across the building to a team culture grounded in youth voice, with appointments informed by youth-led interview panels.
Horizon Youth Zone will be open to anyone aged 8–19, and up to 25 for young adults with learning disabilities who register as members. Membership costs £5; each session a young person attends is 50p. Open seven days a week, with timetabled sessions for juniors, seniors and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Up to 20 different activities happening at any one time, spanning sport, arts, music, learning and life skills. With specialist areas under fit-out, including North East Lincolnshire’s only indoor climbing wall, music and arts and crafts rooms, a fully equipped gym and a sports hall.
Izzy Russell, former YPDG member: “We started this five years ago in McDonald’s, imagining a Youth Zone where we could belong, learn and have fun. We thought it was always something that wouldn’t happen but when we heard Ørsted had donated £1million we thought, if they believe in us, why don’t we believe in ourselves? Being able to walk through the building today and seeing the logo we picked and the spaces we asked for - it’s unreal. It feels like our ideas are on every wall.”
Lauren Little, Senior Stakeholder Advisor from
Ørsted said: ““From the moment local young people shared their vision for Horizon Youth Zone - we believed it should exist. We were proud to be the first major company to back that belief with £1 million and, just as importantly, with our time and access. Seeing Horizon take shape as a space designed and led by young people is inspiring, and we’re excited for the early 2026 opening. We’ll continue working alongside Horizon to create opportunities, build confidence and help every young person feel they belong.”
