MORE than 3,000 youngsters from across the town have voted to name the town’s new youth zone ‘Base71’.

The venue - which will include a four-court sports hall, a rooftop 3G outdoor kick-pitch, gym, boxing and martial arts room, a recording studio, dance studio, sensory room and mentoring kitchen - will be built off Schwäbisch Gmund Way.

The new name was put forward from a public vote after the youth zone’s young people’s development group worked alongside design agency Bird to create a new brand.

Two brand concepts were put forward: ‘Base71’ and ‘The Den’.

The public vote, which involved both presentations across a number of local schools and an online vote, saw Barnsley’s young people overwhelmingly chose ‘Base71.’

Bosses behind the scheme say that 71 represents the S71 postcode and ‘Base’ symbolises a safe space for young people.

Mandy Carlson, Base71’s CEO, said: “This is an incredibly exciting milestone for Base71 and for Barnsley.

“The name ‘Base71’ perfectly reflects our vision of a safe, supportive space created by young people, for young people.

“It’s a brand that captures their energy, creativity, and ambition, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young people’s development group for their hard work and dedication in shaping this project.

“Their involvement has ensured that Base71 will be a place where young people feel they belong - a hub of opportunity, inspiration, and growth right in the heart of Barnsley.

“We’re thrilled to see their vision come to life, and this is just the beginning of what we’ll achieve together.”