The Stone Family Foundation has donated £500,000 towards building a new youth centre which will open in 2018.
The foundation commits more than £1million every year towards innovative, sustainable, and entrepreneurial projects across the UK.
The £6million Legacy centre will be run by the Onside charity, which is committed to giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to with 20 different activities every evening for up to 200 young people who will pay 50p a visit.
John Stone, Founder of The Stone Family Foundation said: “We know what a fantastic job that Youth Zone is doing to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people.
“I’m particularly delighted to help establish a new club in Croydon because of the real need for a safe, stimulating place in the district where the club will be built.”
The council has invested £3million in the building work and will pay a further £300,000 annually towards running costs.
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “This is brilliant news and I’d like to thank the Stone Foundation for their support for our young people. This is such an important project for Croydon, and I’m really pleased that the council’s investment is already being added to by others.”
Costing just £5 for an annual membership, Youth Zones are places where all young people feel valued, they have a voice, they work and play together, and they develop respect and tolerance for those from different walks of life.
Kay Andrews, acting chair of Legacy Youth Zone, said: “We’re thrilled to have the Stone Family Foundation’s support. The foundation has a fantastic history of supporting brilliant charities so to have their backing shows what belief they have for the Youth Zone.
“I’d just like to extend my gratitude on behalf of the young people of Croydon, for it is they who will truly benefit from this generous funding.”