Completion: 2011

Value: £7 million

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Hodson Architects became involved with Grimsby and Cleethorpes YMCA after the YMCA regional review highlighted a need for a modernisation of the service response approach and a need to promote wider integration with the local community. A review of Grimsby and Cleethorpes YMCA’s vision for the future was undertaken following an unsuccessful bid to secure funding to refurbish the existing building and a clear strategy was developed based on linking residential support with social infrastructure in order to promote independent living. Hodson Architects were then commissioned to undertake a site location options appraisal which looked at the existing site in the context of other available sites in the town, and the options of refurbishment or new-build. The conclusion was that a new build offered the only solution for a facility fit for the 21st century.

 

Further consultation and research highlighted the need for residential accommodation associated support facilities; administrative functions; sports, leisure and arts facilities; and enterprise facilities. The building is being designed to encourage service users to progress through the facility, gaining independence and developing social and work skills. The YMCA design is split into 2 parts - an accommodation building and an enterprise facility. The accommodation building is designed around a ‘street’, which runs parallel to the avenue of trees and forms the main circulation route to 20 direct access rooms, which in turn are arranged around courtyards.