Changes to Nottinghamshire YMCA's Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way, Newark, approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee
Changes to a one-of-a-kind development have been unanimously approved.
Nottinghamshire YMCA sought to change conditions attached to permission for its Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way, Newark.
It wanted to increase the building’s footprint by around 250sq metres and floor space by around 834sq metres, to allow for a mezzanine floor.
Other changes included an increase in roof height by around 3.6 metres, an increase in secure cycling provisions, and an additional carparking area.
Newark and Sherwood District Council planning committee was told the county highways department’s parking concerns had been addressed in allowing for more space.
Phase one of the project was completed in September 2018 at a cost of £3.15m, delivering a range of sporting provisions and carparking area to facilitate the early use of the site.
An Olympic-standard climbing centre is to be at the forefront of the Community and Activity Village.
Phase two of the project, described as a national first, was due to start in March this year at an estimated cost of £9.4m, but has been put on hold because of coronavirus.
It will provide education, recreation, professional sport, health and family-based services integrated into one community space.
Michael Brown, committee member, said he hoped the development would be there for years for the community to enjoy and added: “It is innovative and forward-thinking.”
Fellow member Johno Lee said if the activity village was to be one of the best in Europe, a big building was needed to facilitate that. He said: “It goes to show Newark is on the map.”
Local ward member Matthew Skinner said: “The sooner the better with this application.”
YMCA Nottinghamshire said: “In light of covid-19, we are working to ensure the best and safest course of action for the build. YMCA’s immediate priority, however, is to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable service users we continue to support, and that of our staff.
“The FCC Communities Fund is a fantastic initiative we have worked hard to secure for the local community. Our team works diligently with a number charitable trusts to fulfil the community and activity village project, and we are pleased with how it is progressing.”
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