Posted on 27th Jan
Work on the main building at the YMCA Newark and Sherwood community and activity village is due to start in February.
It follows the official signing of a contract by RG Carter Construction and the young people and families charity for the village’s main building, on Lord Hawke Way, Newark.
Todd Cauthorn, executive director for YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said: “It feels good to be working with a local business in RG Carter on such a large-scale project that will create jobs, youth apprenticeships and transformational life opportunities in addition to strengthening the already fantastic community spirit in Newark.
“We have worked closely with partners from a wide range of services as well as local authorities to ensure there are programmes that help people belong, contribute and thrive.
“When the pandemic began early last year, we were concerned about the potential impact on the village… we are pleased that developments are moving ahead.
“Provided everything goes to plan considering the current circumstances, this progress indicates that our main building hopefully will be completed in spring 2022.”
Jason Wilson, senior project manager at R G Carter, said: “It’s great to be able to provide the local community with a new purpose-built environment, which matches their vision for the very best services and support for young people to help them reach their full potential.”
Whilst the village has been closed during parts of the pandemic, continuous investment has still been a top priority for YMCA Newark and Sherwood.
Notable progress was made during the first lockdown, including the launch of the outdoor Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and having one of the 3G community pitches professionally recrumbed ahead of reopening.
Coun David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “To say we’re excited to see this phase of the YMCA project coming forward would be an understatement. It’s more than a building.
“This development will house those many activities which will engage with local people of all ages but specifically those sometimes referred to as ‘hard to reach’.
“The positive impact for communities that arise from the programmes run from this facility will be inestimable.
“It’s that piece in the jigsaw that makes the picture complete — state-of-the-art sports provision, sites for local sporting teams to practice and play, engaging younger people and families in a wide range of activities and learning.”
