We are delighted to announce prominent regional company, The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre, as our latest Founder Patron!

The commitment from the Lancashire-based company, known for its outstanding leisure venue and family values, secures vital long-term funding for our annual running costs. The Flower Bowl joins an exclusive group of local businesses and philanthropists dedicated to ensuring we can provide a safe, inspiring space for thousands of young people in Preston for years to come.

Vault is located on the corner of Crooked Lane and Tithebarn Street, opposite the bus station, and will transform activity provision for young people in Preston’s city centre.

Part of the OnSide Network of Youth Zones, we will be open to young people aged between eight and 19, seven days a week, for just £5 membership per year and 50p a visit. Members of the community with additional needs will be able to utilise our state-of-the-art facilities up to the age of 25.

Vault will have over twenty activities, including an indoor climbing wall, a sports hall with four courts, a fully equipped gym, a dance and drama studio, and a 3G kick pitch.

Also, within our fantastic range of facilities will be a Maker Zone where young people can work with 3D printers, a training kitchen, a music room with recording studio, an arts and crafts room, and an enterprise and employability suite.

Supporting this will be trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available seven days a week to offer guidance and support to help Preston’s young people to thrive. Our Youth Zone will create permanent full and part-time jobs, as well as volunteering opportunities.

The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre is Lancashire’s finest venue for fun, leisure and corporate entertainment. Housing 3 cinema screens, a curling rink, 10-pin bowling lanes, The Secret Garden Crazy Golf course, Cue Gardens Crazy pool, a golf simulator, VR ride, shuffleboards and several eateries, bars including coffee and homemade ice cream; it makes for a great day out whatever the weather and whatever the age-mix. Located on the A6 in Brock, 8 miles north of Preston, it is easily accessible.

Guy Topping, Chairman of Vault Youth Zone and Managing Director of The Flower Bowl comments:

“Our family has always been deeply invested in the community of Preston and the wider North West. Vault Youth Zone is an essential project for our city’s future, and as a local business, we recognise the profound impact it will have on the next generation. Becoming a Founder Patron is a natural extension of our commitment to nurturing the local community and providing young people with the opportunities they deserve to grow and thrive.”

The support from the Founder Patrons is crucial for the charity’s revenue funding, which covers the ongoing costs of delivering professional youth work, maintaining the facilities (including a climbing wall, recording studio, and sports hall), and providing targeted support programmes.

Tim Jacques, CEO of Vault Youth Zone, added:

“We are thrilled and incredibly grateful to officially welcome The Flower Bowl to our Founder Patron family. This is more than just a donation; it’s a belief in our mission from one of the North West’s most respected family businesses. Their long-term commitment helps us turn our vision into a sustainable reality, guaranteeing that Vault can offer young people in Preston the opportunity to unlock their potential.”

The announcement comes as we approach our opening, with construction making significant progress in the heart of the city. We urge local businesses to join the Founder Patron family to ensure our financial stability for decades to come. Find out more.