Transforming Wolverhampton, a Landmark City Centre Scheme
The new YMCA, off Cleveland Road, Wolverhampton is an integrated mix of social housing, enterprise, early years provision and community services.
Located on City’s ring road, off the A41, and adjacent to historic Royal Hospital, this ‘City Gateway’ scheme is a prominent landmark. Built on the site of the former bus depot, the scheme is a model example of a brownfield regeneration partnership, between voluntary, public and private sectors.
The YMCA’s vision is to bring positive transformation to communities, helping local people to develop holistically, in mind, body & spirit!
YMCA City Gateway creates space to live, learn, work and play!
Service & facilities include:
- 63 ‘City-living’ studio/apartments for young professionals / workers
- 115 place Day Nursery for local families & City working families
- Community Training area providing Learning & Skills programmes
- Commercial / Retail units for local services
- YMCA Administrative HQ, for YMCA operations across the Black Country
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Ettingshall said:
“This is a hugely important project for Ettingshall and the city of Wolverhampton. I know the YMCA will continue the fantastic work from their new home in YMCA’s ‘City Gateway’, around housing, support, education and employment”
The scheme, due to open in late Spring 2021, represents an £8.4M investment into the City, and is funded by Homes England (£3.8M), Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (£941K) and YMCA Black Country (£3.6M).
The site, previously owned by Tesco since 2001, was left derelict pending plans for a £65M superstore. In 2015, Tesco withdrew its plans, and the land was later earmarked for housing and associated development.
Pat McFadden, MP Wolverhampton South East, said:
“I am pleased that the YMCA has secured the funding needed to complete the project. It will provide much needed new housing for young people in Wolverhampton and complete a regeneration project on a site that has been unused for too long.”
The site, and funding from Homes England, were secured by local developer Jessup, who then, together with support from the City of Wolverhampton Council, worked with YMCA Black Country to develop the scheme to meet local strategic objectives.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said:
“Crucially, the next phase of the scheme will also deliver vital education, training, skills and job opportunities for Wolverhampton residents. It is a critical part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre, alongside great urban living, great connectivity, great public spaces, a great leisure and sporting offer, vibrant events, outstanding arts and culture, and a thriving commercial district.”
