08/08/14
YMCA CHELTENHAM CREATES NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Originally, the YMCA in Cheltenham was struggling to meet necessary standards, with a limited number of flats being offered to young vulnerable people. The decision by the organisation to expand has improved the needs of young people on site as well as creating opportunities for more individuals in need of housing and developmental support.
David Wallace, CEO of Cheltenham YMCA, discussed the benefits of the new build for the Cheltenham community: “At Cheltenham YMCA, we are delighted to have been able to work with building contractor Speller Metcalfe on this exciting new project to provide affordable accommodation in Cheltenham. The building has doubled the number of accommodation units on the YMCA’s town centre site which is a fair reflection of the demand which we have been experiencing from young homeless people. That too has almost doubled in recent years.
“Homelessness is a real issue in the current climate, and not limited to young people. The new YMCA building is a significant step towards helping to alleviate the problem within the Cheltenham area.”
Andy Metcalfe, Joint Managing Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “With the YMCA being located in the centre of Cheltenham, it has proved difficult to keep disruption to a minimum. However, by holding Saturday and evening events throughout the construction period we have been able to inform local residents on any potential disruptions and site set up.
“In addition to hosting residential meetings we have upheld an environmental criterion, with a green wall and solar control features. The project also achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating from the world’s leading sustainability assessors,” said Andy.
“The YMCA is an organisation which strives to provide the best service to not only young people but all age groups, including men and women. I am so pleased that Speller Metcalfe has played a part in this important project which creates affordable housing for the local community. We are excited that our relationship with the YMCA is continuing as we work on additional projects.”