YMCA unveils plans for second Norwich site

The second phase of ambitious plans to move YMCA Norfolk's Norwich hostel to two new multi-million pound buildings has moved one step closer.

The YMCA is one of Norwich's longest serving establishments and is currently based on St Giles Street.

However, bosses at the Christian charity, which helps vulnerable and homeless young people, decided to move after receiving advice that it would cost more money to renovate its existing 90-bed 18th century building.

 

Work on the first phase of the project, an assessment centre and hostel containing 34 flats at All Saints' Green next to the new Bus Station , is already well advanced.

 

However, plans have now been submitted for a second building on Music House Lane, south of the city centre.

This will include between 30 and 40 self-contained flats, as well as training rooms and a communal lounge.

John Drake, YMCA chief executive officer, said: “We wanted a building with better amenities and this new building on Music House Lane will have single rooms and each person will have their own bathroom and self contained kitchen.

“We also want to equip people with the skills they need to go on and look after themselves.

“It's not just about taking people off the streets. We want to keep them off the streets too.”

The overall project is worth £8m and a large part of the money will be raised from selling the current hostel on St Giles as well as funds from the Greater Norwich Housing partnership, Broadland and South Norfolk Councils and the Housing Corporation!

 

The YMCA says its plans are part of a new drive to ensure people who find themselves in trouble are not just looked after, but also given the support and care needed ensure that when they try and get back on their feet, they stay there.