'The Dome' has been revealed as the new name for Crewe's new multi-million pound Youth Zone, after the town's young people voted on their favourite.

The Youth Zone, which will be located on the Oak Street Car Park site by the roundabout, will be funded by a range of private and public sector contributions including Cheshire East Council and the Government's Youth Investment Fund and Towns Fund.

Its brand was unveiled at a special celebration event on Wednesday 11 September at Crewe Lyceum Theatre, by the Youth Zone's Young People Development Group (YPDG).

'The Dome' has been revealed as the new name for Crewe's new multi-million pound Youth Zone, after the town's young people voted on their favourite (Onside).

At the unveiling, the young people, who will also be involved in a number of other stages of the development ahead of its spring 2026 opening, talked guests through their experience of the design and branding process.

Working alongside branding agency Bird, the group developed a number of brand concepts before choosing their top two, 'The Dome' and 'Pod', and sending them out for a public vote.

Local young people from schools and other youth organisations had to make the tough decision, but after a few weeks it was The Dome that came out on top, with 63 per cent of the vote. 

Nicola Simpson from Bird agency, told Nub News: "We had a brilliant time developing the brand alongside the young people of Crewe.

"We followed the same steps we would with any large organisation, but what was different was their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

"It brought a unique energy to the process. What came out of it was an identity that truly came from them, something they know will connect with other young people in the area."

The Dome will be based on 15 similar OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with highly-skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people (Onside).

Crewe Youth Zone will be open to young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, seven days a week.

Delivered by OnSide, in partnership with Cheshire East Council, the development will create up to 70 full and part-time jobs and up to 100 volunteering opportunities.

The Dome CEO, Stuart Manifould, said: "I am so proud of what the YPDG have achieved over these past few weeks.

"They threw themselves into the branding process with energy and enthusiasm, and all of their bright ideas have led us to this point.

"The Dome is a great name and what makes it even greater is that it was created by and voted on by the young people of Crewe, giving them ownership of a place that's being built just for them."

The Dome will be based on 15 similar OnSide Youth Zones operating across the country and will be filled with highly-skilled youth workers who truly believe in young people.

Working alongside branding agency Bird, the YPDG developed a number of brand concepts before choosing their top two, 'The Dome' and 'Pod', and sending them out for a public vote (Onside).

Young people will be able to access over 20 activities every night, ranging from sports such as football, boxing and climbing, to creative arts, music, drama and employability training, all for a £5 annual membership and 50p per visit.

OnSide's construction partners, Caddick Construction, are preparing their team to start at the end of September.

Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Carol Bulman, said: "This is an important step for what will be a fantastic new space in Crewe.

"Having the town's young people involved right at the start of this process is absolutely the right way to go and knowing that there will be a purpose-built facility here in 18 months is a very positive feeling.

"I can't wait to see it develop."

Lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, Cllr Carol Bulman (CEC).

The Youth Zone is still looking to raise funds to help achieve long-term sustainability, ensuring it can transform young people's lives for generations to come. 

Anyone interested in finding out more about supporting the Youth Zone, should contact Ellen Birchenough on [email protected].

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