Morris Property is excited to announce its partnership with YMCA North Staffordshire to construct a two-storey Youth Hub as an annexe to its existing award-winning Campus.

With funding from the Youth Investment Fund, the Youth Hub will transform the health, wellbeing, skills, and opportunities for young people from across the city. Working with 11-18 year olds, and up to 25 year olds for young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, the Youth Hub will offer meaningful opportunities for young people to improve their mental health and physical wellbeing, develop their skills for life and work, expand their social connections and enable them to contribute positively within their communities.

Following the progression of the neighbouring project to build 46 new flats for the YMCA on the Grace Crescent site in Hanley, the YMCA North Staffordshire team commissioned Morris Property to construct the annexe, which will add a new dimension to the existing facilities. By employing contemporary construction techniques and leveraging existing resources on-site, Morris Property aims to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainability throughout the project’s development.

The new facility will feature various spaces designed to cater to the diverse needs of young people in the community. Young people have actively shaped the proposals including the design of the new Youth Hub and will continue to be involved to develop and deliver the project from start to finish. The completed development will be fully inclusive, fostering a welcoming environment for the community.

“We are delighted to partner with YMCA North Staffordshire on this transformative project,” said Morris Property Contracts Manager, Andy Richards. “By combining innovative construction methods with our experienced team, we aim to deliver the highest standards of craftsmanship while minimising disruptions to YMCA operations throughout the construction process.

The project involves the construction of a steel-framed annexe, featuring aluminium windows and a combination of render and cladding on the exterior.

“The annexe to our YMCA facilities represents a significant investment in the future of young people from across the community,” said Daniel Flynn, Chief Executive of YMCA North Staffordshire. “We are confident that this new facility will not only enhance our capacity to deliver youth work activities but also provide valuable and accessible space for local organisations to collaborate and deliver their programmes.”

(L-R) Site Manager Chris French with YMCA Director of Finance Yvonne Dyer and Contracts Manager Andy Richards

Construction work on both projects is already underway, with completion of the YIF building expected by January 2025.