Lincoln College Group (LCG) has signed an agreement to be the education partner for YMCA Newark and Sherwood’s exciting new £15m+ Community and Activity Village.

The College will deliver technical training, apprenticeships, community and adult courses and support services for residents and businesses.

LCG CEO Gary Headland and YMCA Newark and Sherwood’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Berens, signed the MOU remotely today due to social distancing restrictions.

Details are not yet finalised but the provision of training in the following areas is being explored; Childcare, Social care, Catering, Sport, Creative Arts, Digital Media/Marketing, Music production and Public service provision.

Mr Headland said: “Our vision is to add significant, recognised social and economic value to our communities and we are delighted to do so via this project, supporting the community in Newark.

“We are developing a number of investment and growth projects for Newark College and this is one of many exciting new ventures that will continue to improve our relevance to the local community and the wider business community.

“This is a truly exciting development for Newark and one of a number of initiatives that will give us all a healthier, more vibrant and supportive local community as we come out of the current crisis we are all facing.”

The YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village, in Bowbridge Road, will be completed in 2021.

It will be the first new YMCA to open in the UK for 40 years. The YMCA’s two new 3G football pitches and athletics track have already become home to local sports clubs, including Newark Triathlon Club, Newark Town Football club, and many junior football clubs.

The next phase of building work will see the main building constructed. This will house facilities including an Olympic-standard climbing and bouldering centre, Digital Education suites, Nursery , Conference hall and a dance studio all of which will be open to the public and local businesses

Also due for construction is a skatepark, cycle track, and multi-use game area.

Mr Berens said: “We are thrilled to partner with Lincoln College Group on this project.

“YMCA is passionate about how experiential learning can positively impact the lives of young people and families, and the variety of new opportunities this opens for the community is incredibly exciting.

“We see that young people need to develop a joy for learning clear pathways to help them succeed.”