Yes, it's really happening!

The first of two new YMCA Norfolk buildings which will accommodate homeless young people can be seen emerging above the hoardings at Surrey Street Bus Station, Norwich.

 

From the bus station side of the building, the rear of the new YMCA accommodation can be seen. The main entrance will be on All Saints Green.

 

A commissioning service, led by the Revd Helen Ward, was held on the building site at the end of 2007. Scaffolding and bricks and mortar can now be clearly seen behind the hoarding. Norwich Central YMCA will have 34 en-suite units, providing a Gateway Service for homeless men and women aged 16-25 years.

 

YMCA Norfolk Chief Executive, John Drake, said “We are delighted and ready now for all the opportunities that it will mean. The good news about the new development is that we will be able to offer facilities for females as well as males, whereas at St Giles we couldn't. We also realise the desperate need that young vulnerable girls have for accommodation, and in the 21st century we're glad we can offer accommodation for both young men and women.”

 

Recently a small group of YMCA Norfolk managers visited the site. Julie Oakes, the St Giles Hostel Operations Manager said “It is really lovely, more spacious than I had imagined. It will be much lighter than the old building.”

 

The second four-storey building will be built in Music House Lane, Norwich.  It will accommodate young people in 40 self-contained units. Each unit will have its own bathroom and self-contained kitchen. The building will have training rooms, office and interview rooms and a single-storey communal lounge.