Preston's Vault Youth Zone Opens with Bold Design and Eco-Friendly Features
Preston's newest youth facility, Vault Youth Zone, has officially opened after completion by John Puttick Associates. The £8.9 million building stands as the nineteenth centre in the OnSide network and the fourth designed by the same architectural team. Its striking design and eco-friendly features aim to provide a lasting space for young people in the city.
The three-storey structure is stacked vertically, with its largest spaces positioned at the rear of the site. A double-height central void runs through the building, connecting each floor visually and physically. This open layout allows for passive supervision while encouraging interaction between different areas.
The ground floor serves as the social heart of the centre, hosting a variety of recreational and social spaces. Above it, the first floor contains sports, performing arts, and health facilities, while the top level houses staff offices and a rooftop terrace. The exterior features light grey fluted fibre cement panels, a nod to the deep concrete soffits of nearby Preston Bus Station. Yellow-and-black columns and metal mesh further echo the bus station's original steelwork. Sustainability was a key focus in the design. Measures include an optimised steel frame, natural ventilation systems, and photovoltaic panels for on-site energy generation. These elements reduce the building's environmental impact while ensuring long-term efficiency.
Vault Youth Zone now provides a permanent, high-profile facility for Preston's young people. Its thoughtful design and sustainable features create a functional and welcoming space for community activities. The project marks another addition to the growing OnSide network, reinforcing its presence in the region.
