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YMCA receives major grant towards their new centre on Freeman Street

YMCA Humber is delighted to have been awarded £3,325,000 in funding from Homes England, the government’s housing agency, to support the construction of a new Centre on Grimsby’s Freeman Street.

YMCA Humber is currently based at Peaks Lane in Grimsby.  They will use the money to part-fund a high-quality venue which will provide new, aspirational accommodation facilities for young people.  The funding is awarded as part of Blue Skies Consortiums programme and the YMCA will join the Consortium to access the allocation.

YMCA Humber does not provide only beds, but also helps young people gain the training, skills and confidence to lead independent lives in the future.  Planning permission from North East Lincolnshire Council was gained in mid-October, and this funding is the next step for an exciting project.

In addition to this money, YMCA Humber will be borrowing some £3.5m and securing further additional grants in order that the new building will be more than accommodation; it will be a community facility, a meeting space for businesses and local groups and with the potential to support and reconnect families.

The development will comprise of 74 high quality units, a cultural cafe providing professional training and work opportunities, health and wellbeing space, conference facilities and vibrant exhibition and performance spaces.

Andrew Hornsby, Accommodation Manager at YMCA Humber said:

“We would like to thank Homes England and all members of the Design Team for their flexibility and passion in progressing the funding for Freeman Street.  We are excited and confident that this building will meet the needs of our residents, partners and members of the local and wider community.”

A Homes England spokesperson said:

“We’re determined to work with ambitious partners to make homes happen, so are delighted to award this funding to help provide accommodation for the local community.  We now look forward to seeing the designs become reality.”

Debbie Cook, Chief Executive at YMCA Humber said:

“We’re delighted that Homes England has recognised our work in this way.  Now, thanks to this funding we will be able to press on with our plans to broaden the range of opportunities available to young people in the area.  Starting with aspirational homes and support, this new building and our support work will help a young person to become part of an inclusive community and make positive changes to contribute and thrive.”

Mary Vickers moved to North East Lincolnshire in 2010, from the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, to become Urban and Industrial Chaplain NELincs. Made redundant in 2017, she's maintained many of her connections within the business, faith, and other local communities. She's also decided to stay here rather than return to either the south or her husband's native Yorkshire, so that she can continue to enjoy and help promote the positives of NELincs.