Phase two of 'first of its kind' YMCA community and activity village discussed at Newark and Sherwood District Council's policy and finance committee
Phase two of the creation of what would be a national first was discussed yesterday (Thursday) at a district council committee meeting.
The progress of the YMCA flagship Community and Activity Village was outlined to Newark and Sherwood District Council’s policy and finance committee which requested £150,000.
The scheme was described as being of national importance and one of a kind because it will provide education, recreation, professional sport, health and family-based services integrated into a community space.
Building in the second stage, which will cost £9.4m, includes classrooms, changing facilities, community cafè and kitchen, early years nursery, dance hall, and mental health consulting rooms among others.
Nottinghamshire County Council has so far contributed £1m towards the scheme and Newark Town Council has put forward £352,000.
The Football Foundation has added £450,271 to the development and the district council has acquired S106 funds — contributions from developers towards the costs of community and social infrastructure — from large scale projects across the district.
Other fundraisers to assist the large-scale project include the YMCA Tall Ships Adventure.
The YMCA has suggested the district council forward-fund £150,000 of the anticipated capital receipt from the sale of Elm Avenue land used for football, but sold for housing, to support the financing.
Keith Girling, committee member, said an app is to be introduced which gives users credit to access facilities in exchange for undertaking community tasks.
"This means people of all means can take part in these activities, all they have to do is want to do it and engage with it.
"It is not just for the rich and wealthy, it is for everyone in the Newark and Sherwood area."
Phase one was finished in mid-September 2018, costing £3.15m.
It added two full-size floodlit 3G pitches, a floodlit six-lane synthetic athletics track and field facility, full perimeter security fencing, temporary changing provision and carparking.
The football pitches and track are now in use and feedback has been positive.
Phase one also paved the way for the infrastructure for phase two. This involved advanced works such as mechanical and engineering aspects associated with the main village building.
Though the YMCA was on track to commence the second stage this autumn, works have been delayed due to the need to source additional funding and for extra time to secure agreements with stakeholders.
Potential stakeholders include Nottingham Trent University, media player Confetti, Newark College, library service Inspire, the Magnus Church of England Academy and clinical commissioners.
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