YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Village and to thank local businesses, partners, colleagues, and suppliers who have contributed to creating the ground-breaking new facility over the past 18 months.
Guests at the official launch were treated to food and drinks, as well as guided tours of the new building.

VIPs, local businesses, partners and those who have worked on the ground-breaking project were also invited to a preview event to celebrate the part they played in creating the Village, which will sit at the heart of the local community for many years to come.

The Village has been designed with the community in mind and as part of a wider social mobility agenda to bring opportunities to people in the surrounding areas. Members will have access to the full suite of activities at the Village, including a strength and conditioning gym, fitness classes, indoor and outdoor training areas, athletics track, multi-use courts and the largest climbing centre in the region.

Alongside these industry-leading wellbeing and fitness facilities, there are a number of versatile spaces that are open to local businesses. A purpose-built events and conference centre with a fully equipped professional kitchen and bar, which opens onto an outdoor terrace that overlooks the football pitches.

The events and conference space has a digital screen, state-of-the-art AV capabilities and capacity to seat more than 200 guests. It can be hired for a wide range of events.

The areas designed for local businesses are available to rent, with over 50 desks situated in bright open plan environments over two floors, as well as four self-contained therapy rooms for wellbeing providers.

An on-site Ofsted-registered nursery will have space for 92 babies and children, ranging from three months to five years.

Chair of trustees Michael McKeever opened the launch event with a speech reflecting on the history of the project and how it aligns with the YMCA’s vision for the future.
Todd Cauthorn (above), executive director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood, said: “As a charity we are dedicated to inspiring young people to belong, contribute and thrive.

“The size and scale of this project is unique for a YMCA with a £17 million investment into the local community. None of this would have been possible without the many sponsors, supporters, donors and colleagues who have worked tirelessly in creating a facility that sits at the heart of this wonderful community.”

Miles Foden, director at R G Carter Lincoln said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work alongside YMCA Newark and Sherwood on such an important and much-needed facility to help bring life to YMCA’s vision for the local community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this fantastic environment will have in providing the support needed to help young people reach their full potential in and around the county.”

Partners include: D2N2, Newark & Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Fund, Triodos Bank, R G Carter – which led the construction of the site – Newark Town FC, RHP FC, You Can Do Sport Academy, Newark Athletics Club, Inspire, Home-Start, Change Grow Live, Lincoln College Group and Insight Health Care.

For full details of all facilities at the Village, visit: www.ymcanewarksherwood.org.

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