Planners have revealed how the development of an £8.8million youth zone in south Essex could look as a new partnership has been formed.

OnSide has formed a new partnership with Tilbury Town Fund Board to expand the opportunities available to young people in Thurrock by creating a brand-new Youth Zone.

Youth Zones are spaces for young people filled with facilities and skilled workers to help young people achieve their potential.

Aimed at young people aged 8 up to 19, or up to 25 for those with additional needs, it would be open seven days per week.

Members will have the opportunity to access more than 20 activities every night, from sports to creative arts, music, drama and employability training as well as youth worker support – all for 50p per visit and £5 annual membership.

The town's board gave OnSide green light for feasibility and planning studies for the project earlier this year and the charity says talks have since been ongoing about a potential location.

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Echo: Another image released of how the building could look. Credit: OnSideAnother image released of how the building could look. Credit: OnSide

The new Youth Zone will cost £8.8million to build and will be funded by a combination of funding from Tilbury Town's Fund Board, subject to government approval in August, and private sector donations.

A number of sites options have been examined and bosses say a preferred site for the Youth Zone has been identified on Anchor Fields in Tilbury.

This is still subject to more assessments and will be the subject of a formal planning consultation expected later this year.

Planners released an early impression of what the Youth Zone could look like today (pictured) - but the charity says this could changed through consultation and the planning process.

Kevin Sadler, Tilbury Towns Fund Board member and CEO of the Gateway Learning Community, said: "The partnership with OnSide is a game-changer for our young people and the wider community.

"It is the last piece in the puzzle. We have five good schools in Tilbury and before long, these will be complemented by a state-of-the-art facility providing the best leisure activities and personal support beyond the school day and at weekends, to transform the opportunities available to every young person in Tilbury and beyond."

Chair of Tilbury Towns Fund Board, Peter Ward, added: “We want to ensure Tilbury becomes a beacon for young people who live locally and across the entire borough.

"A home away from home where they can thrive and access key services to improve their prospects, make friends and boost their health and wellbeing."

Find more information about the Thurrock Youth Zone here.