Construction of the new YMCA Norfolk community hub on Aylsham Road in Norwich has been completed ready for fitting-out for a Spring 2021 opening.
A year-long redevelopment is set to transform the existing Jubilee Centre into an innovate and sustainable multi-purpose hub, designed to bring a committed and community-focussed presence to an under resourced area of the city.
The ambitious project, supported by the Lind Trust, Norfolk County Council and other local funders, will house YMCA Norfolk’s corporate offices along with Williams’ Kitchen, a café named after YMCA founder George Williams, and Explorers Soft Play.
Also on site is Muddy Puddles, a 90-place children’s nursery which will open after Easter. Beth Fox, the new nursery manager, has been busy taking calls and bookings from interested parents, and recruitment for the nursery staff team is well under way in preparation for the nursery’s long-awaited opening.
Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk CEO said: “It has been great to work with Cocksedge Building Constructors, LSI Architects and Daniel Connal Partnership who have all done a fantastic job in converting the old British Legion building into a space that will serve the community of Norwich for many more decades to come.”
The next step for the building is the internal fit-out of purpose-built and environmentally-friendly facilities which will bring the centre to life and create a warm and welcoming environment for people of all ages and walks of life to use and enjoy the services on offer.
While YMCA Norfolk says it is highly grateful for the support it has received to enable the project to go ahead, the public appeal remains open for individuals who wish to support the project in its final stages.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the YMCA Norfolk website to view nursery job vacancies, and prospective parents can contact [email protected] to find out more.
Pictured top is the new YMCA Norfolk Community Hub in Norwich and, above, inside the new café area.
Keith Morris, 05/02/2021
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