“This is for the kids of Salford” – Fred Done opens Salford Youth Zone to inspire city’s future
As doors open on Salford’s new Youth Zone, the Betfred billionaire backs a bold vision to uplift the city’s next generation through care, creativity and connection.
In this week’s newsletter, we look at the brand new and state-of-the-art Salford Youth Zone, and what it means to the community.
We also look at the closure of Frederick Road from Saturday 12 July, the life-saving surgery for three family cats, and the move of a family business in Walkden after nearly 30 years.
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"It is about giving them a chance, it is about giving them hope"
The opening of Salford Youth Zone marked a new chapter in the important and strong history in the city, with the ribbon cut, confetti raining down from the ceiling, and families gathering in the building - it felt special, it felt new.
And despite the rain outside, the mood inside was at its highest – with families, friends, councillors, and celebrity faces like Eddie Hearn, and Jason Manford making an appearance – it was a sign of the next phase, an example of ‘hope’.
But that is what it aims to deliver, with the ribbon being cut by a Salford born, and raised man – someone who grew up streets away from the Youth Zone in Ordsall in 1943, and has been able to repay the community with his success, Fred Done.
The Salford-born businessman Fred Done, has already showcased his generosity to the younger generation - personally donating £6 million to the East Manchester Youth Zone HideOut.
But after showcasing his generosity, he turned his attention toward his home-town, as he said after the youth zone got the go-ahead: “I have had the pleasure of supporting HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton to open its doors to thousands of local young people, across Manchester and now it’s time to take this to Salford and change the lives of many more.”
And that is exactly what he has been able to achieve in partnership with Salford City Council, youth-based charity Empower Youth Zones and a list of supporting patrons. He has had the chance to give young people in the community hope, as he added before the ribbon cutting on Saturday:
“Two years ago, I stood here and it was just waste ground. I am proud to stand here today Salford through and through. Everyone got behind it and this is for the kids of Salford.
“The kids of Salford need a break and this is what we have done for them, and I am just so proud to be here and be able to do this for them.”
And as we went to shake hands, he pulled me in with a firm and almost ‘million pound’ grip. Being pulled in closer, you could see the joy on his face and the overwhelming pride of the occasion – not only walking around the building as a partner, donor and supporter, but being able to walk around the facility as an inspiration.
Born in 1943, and growing up in Ordsall - home of the famous Salford Lads Club he continued to share why this would be important for those in the community.
“I know just how much young people in the area would benefit from the opportunities available through a Youth Zone.”
And with previous investments into a Wigan Youth Zone, which saw crime rates in the area decrease, it will hope to bring much of the same to the community of Salford and shift the next generation, as Fred continued.
“We have seen massive success in the other places, but I had to come back to my hometown, where I belong, and what it will mean for Salford. And I am proud of it.
“I was born in Ordsall, I lived there till I was 15, and my first shop was in Pendleton, so I know this area like the back of my hand. We are putting back into Salford.
“I have been lucky with my career, and I have done okay for myself, but it is about putting something into my hometown - and we are giving it hope. And whilst you have hope you have a chance.”
And it seems that Fred is not only influencing the wider community, it seemed that he was able to encourage Eddie Hearn to come to the event, and support the difference being made, right here in Salford - days before Betfred extended their partnership with Matchroom Boxing for another 12 months.
But even with Mr. Hearn doing boxing pads with children from the community, it has already created lifelong memories for some.
And with over 2,500 members signed up to the youth zone, it seems that Fred Done’s instincts for the communities needs were heard, as he added.
“The most important thing in all of this, is giving the kids a break. The country is on its knees at the moment, politically and financially, but this shows that there is hope, and hope is the future for these kids and this is what we are trying to do.”
And with the abundance of opportunities and activities available at the youth zone, Fred added: “If we can’t do it right here, we can’t do it anywhere. We have but our hearts and soul into this, and it has cost a lot of money but it is well-worth it.
“If we can keep these kids on the straight and narrow, it will be money well-spent. It is about giving them a chance, an incentive, and hope - I want to respect it but get everything out it.”
And although this is a youth zone, providing children a safe space to participate in activities that include an outdoor football pitch, fully-equipped gym, climbing wall, dance studio, music and recording studio, training kitchen and art workshop, but also a place to be educate and an environment that will prepare the community for the future.
And this was echoed by Adam Farricker, the CEO of Empower Youth Zones, who continued: “This is going to have a huge impact on the community, and we want to let the young people in Salford shine. We are just drawing out what we know is already there.
“We know they have that talent, aspiration and dreams - we are now giving them that platform to create these opportunities. And the wonderful thing about this, we offer the activities as a hook and help us build that trusting relationship, but we hope to provide so many educational opportunities to set them up for later stages in life.”
Adam added: “Having been to youth services myself, I know first-hand how life changing they can be – I’m proud to be extending this opportunity to thousands more young people.
"Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, and Salford Youth Zone will help make that possible.”
But the youth are not only being supported, they have also had influence on the building – from the colours, the designs and the life of the facility – with SYZ youth workers playing their part. This included Jayden and Flori.
Jayden added: “We have been a part of this for two and a half years, and to see where it started when we were 13, to what it is now – it is amazing.
“We have been involved in everything choosing the colours, the designs, and it is mental to see it all come together it is really cool.”
“Opening it shows off all of our hard work,” Flori added. “We have affected every influence of the building – from our logo, the designs, the rooms – it is all us. And to see it here after the process and being used, it is so cool.”
And Jayden continued: “Older people, if they had designed this, it wouldn’t have the same effect. But being a young person and being able to do it gives us that confidence and these chances.
“If I had an opportunity to be a part of that process all over again, I would do it all over again. And hopefully this place can get people off the streets and they can use it and make the most of it.”
With Flori adding: “It is such a unique experience, and to be a part of it, is just amazing. And with a place like this, it is a perfect distraction from the world, and will become a safe space in the community.
But with these opportunities and hope being provided for the young people of Salford - it will hopefully bring change, create chances and offer hope to the next generation of this city.
Life-saving surgery for family cats after shocking air rifle attacks
In a deeply distressing act of cruelty, three cats from the same loving household in Salford have been shot with an air rifle and required urgent surgery.
The separate incidents have seen a home in Salford disrupted, by life-saving surgery to remove pellets embedded in their pets’ bodies. Read more here.
Frederick Road is set to close for six months
Frederick Road is set to be closed for six months this July for essential construction works as a part of the Salford Rise project.
The busy road in Salford will be completely closed off between Lissadel Street and Leslie Hough Way to both vehicles and pedestrians from Saturday 12 July.
The closure will enable essential construction across the carriageway as part of Salford Rise, a key element of the Crescent Salford masterplan, which will see an elevated walkway built over Frederick Road. Read more here.
Beloved shop and community hub in Walkden to move after nearly 30 years
After nearly three decades in Walkden, a well-loved holistic and wellbeing gift shop is preparing for a new and exciting chapter.
The shop, Clouds, will be moving to a new location this summer in Walkden Town Centre, after 29 years in the same space. Read more here.
Eccles Town Centre transformation moves closer
The multi-million pound transformation of Eccles Town Centre is making headway.
Muse, the nationwide place maker, has been chosen as Salford City Council’s strategic regeneration partner to help deliver the vision for a new centre. Read more here.
What’s On in Salford this week
🌈 The first annual Weaste Pride event is set to take place this weekend on Saturday 12 July, and will celebrate love and diversity in the community. Find out more here.
🚘 A vintage, one-of-a-kind car boot event will return for a second year at Media City this July. The Classic Car Boot Sale, which assembles the finest sustainable fashion, accessories, and homewares traders from across the UK will gather in Salford, and will be hosted on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July. Find out more here.
🏉Salford Red Devils will take on Castleford Tigers this Sunday, as they continue their search for the teams second league win of the campaign. After improvements against Warrington Wolves, they will certainly be hoping for another. Find out more here.
Our photo of the week: Boats heading toward Cadishead Viaduct
The image shows a flotilla organised by the Inland Waterways Association to mark the centenary of the Ship Canal.
Cadishead Railway Viaduct was built in 1892 and opened in 1893 to carry the Cheshire Lines Committee railway across the newly opened Manchester Ship Canal. It was closed to railway traffic in 1983.
The main 120ft span is a steel lattice truss providing 75ft clearance to the canal, with approach spans in brick masonry. It was built to potentially carry four railway tracks although it only ever carried two.
Despite its deteriorated condition, this is a spectacular railway structure at the intersection of two of the most important local pieces of 19th century traffic infrastructure.
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