Cash boost of £85,000 for YMCA makeover

A project to transform West Bromwich's YMCA will take a step further to completion after an £85,000 cash boost was announced today.

Under plans costing £10million, the Carters Green base will be knocked down and rebuilt, with the new glass-fronted seven storey building set to include a gym, pavement cafe, offices and studio apartments.

The first phase, costing £1m, is currently under development and will house a new day nursery and youth centre, serving West Bromwich and the surrounding areas.

The money announced today is to be spent on creating detailed designs for the second and third phase of works.

With the demolition of a row of Victorian terraced houses at the rear of the site almost complete, the developers are set to be on site within the next few weeks.

Cash for the scheme, known as the YMCA Western Gateway, was provided by Urban Living, which aims to improve areas by creating better housing and stimulating the economy.

Steve Clay, chief executive of West Bromwich YMCA said: "The YMCA Western Gateway is a ray of positive news for local people in very difficult times.

"It directly meets the needs of people who may be affected by the long shadow that has been cast by the spending review."