YMCA Building Restoration Work & History
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The Past
The Go Golspie Development Trust (GGDT) had been successful with the application to the Scottish Land Fund stage 1 as a precursor to GGDT taking ownership of the YMCA building and bringing it back into community use.
The building had been leased by the Highland Council but over the years it had fallen into a state of disrepair and only a small part of it was in use. After an event in the Fountain Road Church Hall the Trust spoke to several people and it was clear that there was a genuine interest in bringing this building back to its former glory.
GGDT had been in contact with the YMCA who had been very supportive of the aims to restore the building, and, as a result of the Scottish Land Fund Application the Trust had been awarded £16,700 to carry out a full survey and valuation of the YMCA building. A consultation regarding architectural designs then took place to look at what could be done.
The results of the consultation, once they had been collated, formed the basis for the Trust to apply to the Scottish Land Fund Stage 2 with the view of taking ownership of the building and restoring it. GGDT had also applied to the Scottish Government Town Regeneration Fund for support to begin the restoration of the original part of the building.
GGDT took over the lease of the YMCA building, and with the assistance of grant funding the work was underway with a new roof on the rear of the building over the youth club.
It was hoped that the facility could be open to the local youths by the end of 2021 early 2022. and that this part of the building could also be used as a drop in centre where local residents could pop in say hello and have a chat. The Go Golspie Development Trust office will also be located in this part of the building. The cost and availability of building materials had some impact on the progress of the project.
The Present
Go Golspie Development Trust was delighted to announce the re opening of the YMCA building on Saturday 22nd of July 2023. The ribbon was cut by children and young people at the door at the back of the building in East Millicent Avenue.
This was a great opportunity to see the building, look at the spaces available, and chat through ideas for Golspie Youth Club with the Golspie Youth Action Project (GYAP), and for intergenerational community activities with Go Golspie Development Trust. Tours, tea and biscuits as well as musical entertainment was available.
The areas available include a large hall, youth/ community space, fully fitted kitchen and small meeting/hotdesking room. Go Golspie Development Trust now occupy a room in the building as their office. Capital work is now complete and had included replacing a roof and down pipes, repairs to an existing roof and the clock tower roof, installing solar panels, new insulation throughout, new windows and doors, floors and flooring, damp-proof courses, new ceilings, installing a new accessible toilet, new heating and lighting systems and kitchen. Also upgrading and re-decorating and new fixtures and fittings throughout.
This major capital refurbishment and upgrading project cost over £350,000 and funders include HIE, Highland Council Place Based Investment Programme, Town Centre Fund and Highland Coastal Communities Fund, Hugh Fraser Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund, SSE Renewables Beatrice Partnership, SSE Renewables Gordonbush Community Fund, the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and The Westminster Foundation.
Many thanks to you all.