YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of our Village and to thank local businesses, partners, colleagues and suppliers who have contributed to creating the ground-breaking new facility over the past 18 months.
Guests were invited to mark the occasion on Friday 15th July, which included speeches, food and drinks, networking and guided tours of the new building.
The Village has been designed with the community in mind and as part of a wider social mobility agenda to bring opportunities to people in the surrounding areas. Members will have access to the full suite of activities at the Village, including a strength and conditioning gym, fitness classes, indoor and outdoor training areas, athletics track, multi-use courts and the largest climbing centre in the region.
Alongside these industry-leading wellbeing and fitness facilities, there are a number of versatile spaces that are open to local businesses. A purpose-built events and conference centre with a fully equipped professional kitchen and bar, which opens onto an outdoor terrace that overlooks the football pitches.
The events and conference space has an impressive digital screen, state-of-the-art AV capabilities and capacity to seat over 200 guests that can be hired for a wide range of events.
The areas designed for local businesses are available to rent with over 50 desks situated in bright open plan environments over two floors as well as four self-contained therapy rooms for wellbeing providers.
An on-site Ofsted-registered nursery will have space for 92 babies and children, ranging from three months to five years, where staff will also host regular family drop-in sessions for parents and carers to join activities.
Our Group’s Chair of Trustees Michael McKeever opened Friday’s event with a speech reflecting on the history of the project and how it aligns with the YMCA’s vision for the future, before cutting the ribbon to welcome guests into the building.
Todd Cauthorn, Executive Director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood, said: “It is my absolute honour to welcome people into this incredible Village, which we hope will play a positive role in shaping the future of local people for many years to come.
“As a charity we are dedicated to inspiring young people to belong, contribute and thrive, and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of children and young people through our doors every single week.
“The size and scale of this project is unique for a YMCA with a £17 million investment into the local community. None of this would have been possible without the many sponsors, supporters, donors and colleagues who have worked tirelessly in creating a facility that sits at the heart of this wonderful community.”
Miles Foden, Director at R G Carter Lincoln said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work alongside YMCA Newark and Sherwood on such an important and much-needed facility to help bring life to YMCA’s vision for the local community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this fantastic environment will have in providing the support needed to help young people reach their full potential in and around the county.”