YMCA to turn former Wolverhampton Co-op into arts centre and apartments in £6m plan
The YMCA has unveiled £6 million plans to transform a derelict city centre building into an arts centre and apartments.
Ambitious proposals by the homeless charity for the former Co-operative Store building in Lichfield Street include facilities for CYT and bosses have stressed their desire for the company to be involved.
CYT had set its sights on restoring part of the building as a potential permanent home but was forced to hand back a £384,000 grant to the Arts Council last month after the deadline for using the cash was exceeded. It has set about a search for a new home and said they cannot commit to the YMCA's scheme because of the funding gap.
Steve Clay, chief executive of the YMCA Black Country Group, said work could begin by the middle of next year, subject to funding being secured to pay for the building's restoration over the next six to nine months.
He said: "It really is exciting to be part of planning a new youth theatre and arts quarter in the city.
"And our plans fit perfectly with the new upgrading of the Grand Theatre, which is opposite the site. We really hope Central Youth Theatre can be part of this future."
The YMCA's new plans for the building retain many features intended for the CYT. These include three theatre studios, a large storage area for costumes, a film editing suite, stage making and dress making areas.
In addition it would house spaces for two social enterprises, meeting rooms which could be used by community groups and 63 apartments on the building's upper floors.
Mr Clay said it would be similar to the charity's Western Gateway site in West Bromwich which acts as a base to theatre and dance promoters, Black Country Touring.
The YMCA added it intended to commit its fundraising team to work with the CYT and Wolverhampton council to reapply for Arts Council funding, in addition to obtaining funding from other sources to ensure the plans go ahead.
CYT director Jane Ward said concerns remained over its funding having lost the grant.
She said: "That, for us, is a key problem. We may potentially meet with the YMCA again to hear their ideas. I am not sure the Arts Council would go for it again."
