The existing YMCA and the need for redevelopment

Our proposals here today represent a viable development, in which the delivery of private residential homes are vital in providing funds to enable the reprovision and enhancement of YMCA facilities and services on site.

History of the YMCA in Wimbledon

YMCA has been proudly active in Wimbledon since 1870, and our home has been within the current building since 1974. Our ambition is to stay here and serve those in need and the wider community well into the next century.

YMCA’s mission and vision

We aim to be: “An inclusive Christian Association transforming communities so that all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.” and create: “Places where young people thrive and communities flourish.”

Consideration of all options

Our Board have looked at whether the YMCA Wimbledon could be refurbished – in the way that our YMCA Surbiton building has been. However, feedback made it clear that renovating the existing building would lead to a reduction in the number of bedspaces, would not match the standards our residents deserve and was not financially viable.

As a result the re-development (rather than refurbishment) of YMCA Wimbledon has been identified as the only way to keep the facility on site.

Need for redevelopment

The poor, and deteriorating, state of the existing building means significant maintenance and repair costs. Also, the current homes are now much smaller than today’s standards allow and what people would expect today. This is coupled with the poor quality of the accommodation and onsite facilities that are currently impacting the ability for YMCA to deliver our aims at Wimbledon:

Below: The building as it stands

YMCA St Paul’s Group provides a set of services to both young people in need and also to the wider community. These are:

All our current services and facilities will be re-provided and improved within the proposed new YMCA building.