YMCA Black Country Group announced today our largest investment in the Black Country in recent history with the launch of phases 2 & 3 of the YMCA Western Gateway development in West Bromwich. The project represents an overall investment of around £9.5M on our Carters Green site and will be an iconic landmark, located on the western approach to Sandwell’s principal town center.
The completed scheme will provide an integrated mix of social enterprise, housing and community services including:
- Café / Coffee Bar
- 5 enterprise starter units
- fitness & wellbeing centre
- learning centre
- youth zone
- chapel
- 96 studio apartments
- a range of office accommodation for social businesses
CEO, Steve Clay said “Many people across successive generations in the Black Country can recollect a time when they benefited from YMCA services. This investment, our biggest ever investment in the region, will ensure the YMCA can serve local people for many decades to come.”
We’ve operated in West Bromwich for over 126 years. Its first premises were built in St Michael Street in 1888 before relocating to Carters Green in the 1960s. We now deliver services from over 20 locations across the Black Country!
Midland based developer Jessup Build Develop who have partnered with YMCA and the Homes & Communities Agency will start the project in October following preliminary works. CEO, Clive Jessup comments “We are delighted to have been able to make this project a reality. All the updated facilities will provide the YMCA with state of the art accommodation, new enterprise facilities and services for young people and the community”
The YMCA Western Gateway scheme was originally conceived 6 years ago and has undergone extensive consultation and planning exercises throughout its evolution. Throughout the planning and design strong backing has been given by Sandwell Council who financed some of the initial conceptual stages and contributed to the completion of the Phase 1, Children and Family Centre Nursery, which represented phase 1 and opened in September 2011.
Jan Britton, CEO of Sandwell Council says, “I am very pleased that the YMCA has announced the next stage of their plan for the Western Gateway in West Bromwich. The services the YMCA provide are a real asset for our town and borough – and their redevelopment plans will also contribute to the wider rejuvenation of West Bromwich town centre which is visible wherever you look, with new shops, colleges and investment.”
Work is expected to go on into late 2015. We’ll keep you updated as the project develops!
For more details on Western Gateway, contact Grace Heeley, Marketing & Communications Officer on: 01902 371 550 or grace.heeley@ymcabc.org.uk
YMCA Western Gateway is supported by:
