Why we need to change

The current Hostel on St Giles street, Norwich is open for 24 hours a day and has been serving the needs of the local community for over 150 years; it has medieval cellars, a 200 year old frontage and 1960’s extensions. 

• Built in 1960s, the extensions no longer meets today’s needs, its institutional feel is typified by long corridors with little or no natural light. The layout and shared bathrooms prevent YMCA Norfolk from being able to house vulnerable young women as well as men. The communal environment also prevents young people from learning the skills they need to confidently live on their own.
  

• It has served us well but we have been professionally advised that it would be more cost effective to dispose of it. Therefore we have an ambitious plan to replace the outmoded premises. The development will see part of the current buildings on Bethel Street side demolished, leaving the frontage on St Giles intact.
  

• The new facility will allow YMCA Norfolk to provide a more comprehensive service as the move-on accommodation will better prepare young people for independent living and help break the cycle of homelessness.