£4.8m plan includes sport and learning facilities

YOUNG people could benefit from a £4.8 million project to improve youth facilities.

The YMCA, in Hanley, wants to build a Young People's Village, which will include international standard sport facilities, a learning zone and an opportunity to develop life skills.

Staff at the Harding Road site have applied for a £4.8 million grant from the Government's My Place programme, in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in order to deliver their vision.

This programme aids projects which offer young people a place to enjoy their leisure time, as well as connecting youngsters with the people, services and opportunities that they need. The YMCA hopes that its Young People's Village will provide an improved environment for youngsters to develop social and life skills.

A key aim of the project is to increase the connections between the local community and the YMCA.

Chief executive Danny Flynn said: "When I got here five years ago, the YMCA was accommodation-based, but now we are a young people's project.

"We want to create a 21st century youth hub, which will include a library, learning zone and sports and leisure facilities.

"It will be an international standard sports hall, which can be used to promote the city and county events. The idea is to look for partnerships with other sports venues and clubs."

The YMCA has submitted a planning application for the Young People's Village, to Stoke-on-Trent City Council's development control committee.

A grant officer will be meeting with representatives from the YMCA and city council partnership on September 15, to discuss the plans further.

If the grant bid is successful, work could start on the site by next April.

Mr Flynn added: "My Place wanted us to submit the planning application, as we need to have local authority approval.

"I don't think they will knock it back as it will be beneficial to the area.

"A decision about the funding will be made in November. If we are successful, we will then have four-and-a-half months to put the work out to tender, and we hope to start developing the site in April next year."

YMCA residents have welcomed plans for the village.

Tonita Sharp, aged 19, said: "I'm looking to move out, but you don't always want to go that far away from the YMCA, because it has been your support.

"In the village, you will have your independence, but you can still get support if you need it."

Dan Cartwright, aged 23, added: "It is brilliant. We have now got a multi-gym and access to a squash court, indoor and outdoor football."