YMCA's £4m plan to build flats in Norwich

YMCA Norfolk’s Board has given the go-ahead to explore a £4m plan to redevelop the rear part of the current YMCA accommodation on St Giles Street in Norwich and build 40 self-contained flats for young homeless people in its place.

The development would see part of the current buildings on the Bethel Street side demolished, leaving the frontage on St Giles intact. The new facility would provide move-on accommodation to help prepare young people for independent living.

It follows the opening of the Central YMCA near Norwich bus station in January, which provides self-contained accommodation for up to 34 young men and women. Over 40 young people have already been turned away because the accommodation is full.

“We are very excited by the potential to develop more supported accommodation for young people in Norwich,” said new YMCA Norfolk chief executive, Tim Sweeting.

“We are seeing an increase in the numbers requiring our services and we are committed to doing everything we can to help young people when they need it most. This housing will provide young people with crucial move-on accommodation from our Central YMCA facility and allow us to help a much great number of young people.”

Each self-contained flat has a living room/bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. There will be shared communal facilities such as a lounge, and somewhere to provide training in life skills such as cooking and IT. The YMCA will also provide support staff who can give advice and guidance to encourage young people into work and training.

“Young people will be given a place first at the Central YMCA where they can be assessed. Those who show they are committed to developing themselves and moving forward will be offered the opportunity to have one of the flats on Bethel Street, for a maximum of two years.”

YMCA Norfolk will look to secure funding for the project from government sources, fund-raising and their own funds.

Plans should be submitted to the City Council planning department this autumn with a target completion date of the end of 2011.

Pictured above is YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting.