Posted on 9th Oct
Work is starting on the second phase of Newark’s state-of-the-art YMCA Community and Activity Village.
D2N2 has contributed £2.2m from its Local Growth Fund allocation towards the £12.5m project, overseen by the YMCA, just off Lord Hawke Way.
The village will create up to 137 jobs, supporting the education of up to 1,200 learners and 38 apprentices.
It is the first of its kind and will provide a community space that offers opportunities to all ages.
The site already features facilities for multiple sports, including all-weather football pitches, a multi-use games area, and an athletics track.
D2N2’s funding will go towards phase two of the project, which includes a state-of-the-art community venue with a 300-seater conference and events space, and five digital and connected suites for education, training, and flexible workspace.
Once the village is complete in December 2021, it will boast art spaces, education programmes, healthcare suites, 80-seater café, a nursery, a community training kitchen, a bouldering centre complete with Olympic-sized wall, and more.
D2N2 interim chair David Williams said: “D2N2 is firmly committed to improving the life chances of our residents so I’m delighted we are able to contribute to this vital scheme.”
“As our communities recover from the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic, we need to ensure that we can all take part in the recovery and that no one is left behind.”
Executive director of YMCA Newark and Sherwood Todd Cauthorn added: “By bringing together opportunities in sport, education, arts and health, we will be able to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of young people and families in Nottinghamshire.”
