10 August 2010

Phase one of the YMCA Redevelopment will be launched by Councillor Bob Badham on 7th September. The multi-million pound vision for the new YMCA development began this week with the start of building work on phase one – the demolition of a block of 1910’s terraced houses at the rear of their property on Carters Green on Tuesday 7th August.

Councillor Bob Badham and Steve Clay, West Bromwich YMCA Chief Executive looked on as a team of demolition experts start work on reducing the old properties to rubble, signalling the go-ahead for the 5-week demolition project.

Once the buildings have been demolished, a million pound Youth and Family Centre will be built in its place. Building work commences in October 2010 and the new centre will open its doors to children and young people in Summer 2011.

Speaking at the launch of the demolition, which was attended by members of the YMCA’s Board and Councillor Badham, Cabinet Member for Children & Families said: “It is a pleasure to be present at the launch of this exciting stage of the YMCAs long and illustrious history.

“The YMCA’s new development plans will provide a valuable service to the children and young people in West Bromwich, and as a council, we are delighted to be able to support this well respected local charity.”

 Phase one of the YMCA Western Gateway will provide a state-of-the-art Day Nursery for 72 children, three dedicated youth and community activity and social space facilities. The ground floor day nursery, which has been partly funded through the Surestart Capital fund, will feature open access to outdoor space and give all the young children the very best in modern day nursery design and construction.

 YMCA Chief Executive, Steve Clay said: “The event today is exciting because it’s the start of things we’ve been dreaming of and planning for the last three years!

 “I would like to thank Councillor Badham for attending and for the support he has given this project.  This is a very exciting time for West Bromwich because this is the YMCA’s single largest project since the construction of the flats and sports hall in the early 1970’s and the YMCA Western Gateway development will significantly enhance the facilities available for local children and young people.”

 The plans for the YMCA Western Gateway have been designed by Bryant Priest Newman. Project Architect, Dean Shaw, and Director, Larry Priest, represented the organisation at the event and talked about the plans for the new building.

 Shaw said: “We are very pleased to attend this event and are looking forward to October 2010 when the YMCA Western Gateway will begin to take shape. The contemporary feel of the new building sets out a new concept for the YMCA and will kickstart a larger and much needed regeneration of the Western Gateway to West Bromwich.”

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