Major Crewe employer becomes founder patron of town's £8.3 million 'Dome' Youth Zone
AO, the UK's most trusted electrical retailer based in Crewe, is showing support for the town's young people, becoming a founder patron of The Dome Youth Zone.
As a founder patron, AO will make an annual donation towards the charity's annual running costs, enabling the new Youth Zone to offer first class facilities, opportunities and support for thousands of young people living in the area.
Opening its doors in spring 2026, The Dome Youth Zone will be an independent charity with a private sector-led board.
It will be part of the current OnSide Network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 55,000 young people every year.
Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit.
Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, and enterprise and employability suite.
Trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and holistic support to Crewe's young people.
The Youth Zone will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as many volunteering opportunities.
AO's support extends further than a monetary commitment as it will be creating an internal Youth Zone employee team.
The team will consist of employees who will volunteer their time to find innovative ways for AO to support young people at The Dome, both before and after it opens its doors.
This will include things like mentoring opportunities and employability skills.
AO sells electricals online and also owns its own specialist appliance recycling plant and a national delivery network, operating from its four warehouses in Crewe, with over 1000 local employees.
Managing director AO Logistics, David Ashwell, said: "When we heard OnSide were planning a Youth Zone for Crewe, we invited them in to meet our team and explain their plans.
"What we heard was an amazing opportunity to be part of transforming the lives and prospects of young people in the area and we are hugely proud to be there at the start of this journey.
"Lots of our employees live locally and as parents, they could see the value of having a world class facility that will give their kids somewhere to go, things to do and the chance to develop themselves in a fun, supportive environment."
The Dome Youth Zone Chair, Graham Ramsbottom, said: "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to AO for its support of The Dome Youth Zone. As a major employer in Crewe.
"AO not only provides great opportunities for the local community, but through this partnership it will also open up new and exciting opportunities for our young people.
"I am hugely grateful for their support and generosity."
The Dome is being delivered in partnership with OnSide, Cheshire East Council and supported by local businesses and philanthropists.
The founder patron campaign aims to achieve long-term sustainability, ensuring Crewe Youth Zone will be an asset to the community, transforming young people's lives for generations to come.
OnSide continues to raise the remainder of the first three years' running costs for The Dome Youth Zone and urges local businesses and philanthropists to join the Founder Patron family.
If you would like to support young people living in Cheshire East, please contact: [email protected].
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