A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy has been appointed to project manage the refurbishment of a new headquarters and community centre in Norwich.
Daniel Connal Partnership, who has offices in Norwich, Colchester and London, will be working with YMCA Norfolk to re-develop the Jubilee Centre on Aylsham Road to create a sustainable community hub (artist’s impression above) for the local area.
Located within the Mile Cross Ward, which is ranked in the most deprived 10 percent of areas nationally, the centre will aim to address the community’s demand for services and will operate for their long-term benefit.
The £2m refurbishment, designed by LSI Architects, will include a nursery, café, supervised contact centre and office space. The YMCA Norfolk team will also move from their current location to the centre, removing the need for additional site staff.
Robert Dale, Senior Partner of Daniel Connal Partnership said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting community project. To be able to future-proof this building and bring it back into community use is fantastic and we cannot wait to see the final project being used by the local residents.”
The centre has sat dormant since 2015, when it was purchased by the Lind Trust, and has been subject to vandalism and disrepair.
Tim Sweeting, YMCA Norfolk Chief Executive, commented: “This high-quality development offers a range of services that will enable us to bring local people together and develop more opportunities for them to fulfil their potential.
“As an organisation founded in Norfolk in 1856, we are committed to strengthening communities over the long-term and believe that the provision of education, employment, positive activities and leisure space will really make a difference.”
Work on site is planned to start imminently, with planned completion in 2020.