Historic youth hostel building to get a major facelift
A YMCA building in the seaside town of Bournemouth is to get a major facelift.
The organisation has announced it is looking to revamp the historic building in the centre of the Dorset town.
The project is expected to take five years to complete and as yet there is no indication how much the project will cost.
The YMCA has submitted a planning application to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to revamp Delta House
The scheme will see the refurbishment and repurposing of the site into 117 temporary homes, supporting offices, a public gym and café.
The front of the building will also get a facelift under the plans, with a replacement façade installed, YMCA said.
Gareth Sherwood, chief executive of YMCA Bournemouth, said: “Delta House has played a staple role within the Bournemouth community for over 90 years as a base for our diverse range of services.
“As demand for our services has grown extensively over time, the building has given so much and is in need of modernisation.
“Our proposals aim to give the building a new lease of life, reflecting and celebrating our legacy as a well-respected Bournemouth charity.
“This is a long-term investment for YMCA Bournemouth, giving us the ability to serve our community for many years to come.”
YMCA Bournemouth said its proposals follow the release of recent figures by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which show that more than 300 households in Dorset are threatened with homelessness.
“Demand for our services is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis mounts pressure on people,” said Mr Sherwood.
“Ultimately, our aim is to create safe, comfortable spaces in which people can rebuild their independence.”
The planned works include the relocation of Delta House’s existing temporary accommodation allowing access to a new public use gym and fitness suites directly from Westover Road.
Mr Sherwood added: “By reinvigorating Delta House and improving our existing facilities, we can unlock this future for more people in our community and help Dorset tackle homelessness in the long term.”
