New YMCA centre to be 'life-changing'

Chris Kirkwood, from YMCA Lincolnshire, said the success of the new centre in the St Giles area of Lincoln, will come from the input of young people

A multimillion-pound youth centre in Lincoln will deliver a "life-changing" service to young people within the community, a charity said.

YMCA Lincolnshire was granted a 25-year tenancy for the St Giles Community Centre in January 2022.

The charity was awarded a £2m Youth Investment Fund Grant to renovate the centre and create a community hub for young people.

Chris Kirkwood of the YMCA said he hoped the building would become "a living, breathing, thriving place for young people in the community to embrace as theirs".

The new St Giles Community Centre is due to open in January 2025

The charity said it would use the building to develop and deliver services needed in order to "create a more equal society for future generations".

Mr Kirkwood said: "We've been told young people living in and around this area have previously had little to no access to a formal youth space or activity centre.

"Providing this space, in the heart of their community, where young people feel as though it belongs to them, is really important to us.

"Anywhere that provides a place for positive activity, intervention and a safe space for young people, has got to be celebrated", he added.

The building has undergone a major refurbishment project which has included an extension and the construction of an accessibly lift

A youth centre, which was located next door to the site in Swift Gardens, had to be demolished after an arson attack in 2016.

Local resident Deana Matthews said the centre was "desperately needed" for young people living on the estate.

She said: "There's nothing here for the kids at the moment.

"They need direction and somewhere they can go, which is exactly what the centre provides. It's brilliant for young people and it will give them stability."

The building will give young people a space to socialise, learn and give them opportunities, said the charity

YMCA Lincolnshire was given control of the project in January 2023 when City of Lincoln Council gave it a community asset transfer.

The charity said it hoped the new centre would transform health, wellbeing, skills and opportunities for young people in and around the community.

Mr Kirkwood said: "It’s important for young people to stress what they want and working collaboratively with the community is how this centre will reach its full potential."

"I hope it becomes an embedded part of the St Giles community, where people feel proud to call it theirs", he added.

The community centre is due to open in January 2025.

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