WORK on a flagship accommodation centre which gives young people homes to be proud of has finished.

The £9.5 million YMCA Youth Campus in Hanley represents a change in focus for the organisation.

The complex provides learning and sports facilities along with new independent living apartments for those ready to move on from hostel accommodation.

It is made up of 36 flats and a separate activities centre, next to the YMCA's Edinburgh House tower block, in Harding Road.

Chief executive Danny Flynn said: "We are giving young people the opportunity to be the best they can be.

"It's about more than providing accommodation, it's about youth development and broadening their experiences.

"The facilities will be open to the public and we aim to make the YMCA a hub for the community and raise awareness of the work we do.

"This new complex allows us to bring hope to scores of young people who may have not had the best starts in life.

"It's one of the best YMCA centres in the country."

The new youth campus has been funded by the myplace programme run by the Government's Department for Children, Schools and Families, with support from the Big Lottery Fund and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The development has taken two years to complete.

There are four disabled flats, four two-bed apartments and 28 single bed units, all with individual kitchens, open-plan living spaces and bathrooms.

And the YMCA has just received confirmation of a further £1.8m funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government to refurbish the 70 hostel rooms in Edinburgh House.

In the activities centre, young people can use a climbing wall, gym, five-court sports hall and outdoor pitch.

Thet will also have the use of cricket nets, a boxing club, dance classes, archery and indoor roller-skating.

These facilities will also be available for hire.

YMCA resident Amy Rawsthorne, aged 18, said: "The new facilities will make a big difference. It will stop people getting bored in the evenings."

Nial Orton, aged 18, said: "Once a week throughout the development all of us residents have been taking part in a forum to voice our opinions about the new facilities.

"Giving us more activities like this will help keep people from bad backgrounds on the right track."

Jozef Clark, aged 17, said: "I've been at the YMCA for about a year and it helps because you have privacy.

"But we're like one big family. If you're ever feeling low there's always friends or a support worker to talk to."

The complex also has a fun zone with a video game suite, internet café and IT suite. There will also be volunteering opportunities, a health zone, advice and chill-out area.

An official opening ceremony for the youth campus is planned for January.