Plans to create a £6m (US$9.6m, €6.7m) youth centre in Preston, Lancashire, have received government backing.

Under the current proposals for Preston's Youth Zone+, the centre is scheduled to open towards the end of summer 2012, and will comprise a fitness suite, areas for dance, music, arts and crafts, and a multi-purpose outdoor pitch.

The project is a partnership of public and private sector organizations, led by Lancashire County Council, Preston Youth Council and OnSide, a newly established charity which aims to develop facilities for young people.

Lancashire County Council is set to pay 40 per cent of the running costs of the centre, while the local business community, along with trusts and grants, will pay for 50 per cent. Young people will pay an annual fee and a charge each time they use the facilities to fund the remaining 10 per cent of the costs.

OnSide are currently involved in building five further Youth Zones across northwest England, each costing £5m (US$8m, €5.6m).